Fort Worth, TX (October 6, 2026) Before animated characters appeared on the big screen, Disney animation artists study real examples of human movement, expressions, and interactions. This November, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History will become the second museum in the world, and the first in Texas, to host Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference, bringing an inside look at the creative process behind some of beloved animated films to North Texas. The Walt Disney Archives curated and designed this new exhibition, and it is traveling to North Texas directly from Anaheim, California.
Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference will open to the public on November 14, 2026 and be featured in the Museum’s upstairs Havener Gallery.
Through collections and activities from the Walt Disney Archives including photographs, documents, objects, videos, interactive pieces, photo opportunities, as well as an audio guide guests will discover how Disney animators use live-action performers, props, and sets as visual references to bring the movement and expressions of some iconic characters and scenes to life.
A special interactive experience using toy dolls will invite guests to explore how different motions like spinning, and running create different body movements, and even affect the way hair and fabric moves. Visitors will also get to compare movie scenes next to their real-world references, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at these classic films.
“Nearly 90 years ago, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs redefined animation through groundbreaking creativity, innovation, and storytelling,” said Jesse Cannady, Senior Manager, Exhibitions & Loans, Walt Disney Archives. “Today, the Walt Disney Archives is proud to bring its newest exhibition to Fort Worth, celebrating the pioneering use of character reference that helped bring Snow White and countless beloved films to life, and continues to inspire Disney animation to this day. Together with the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, we look forward to sparking curiosity and imagination in visitors of all ages.”
Whether guests are longtime Disney fans, aspiring animators, or simply curious about how some cherished characters and stories came to be, Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference will offer a fresh perspective on the level of observation and dedication that goes into creating some classic animated films.
Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference is supported in part by the Fort Worth Promotion and Development Fund. The exhibit will be on display at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History from November 14, 2026 through February 14, 2027, and will be on display during the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. This exhibit is included with Museum admission or membership. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday, from 12 PM to 5 PM. Special hours may apply. Admission is $14 for seniors, $16 for adults, $12 for juniors, and free for children under two years old. Tickets can be purchased in person or online at www.fwmuseum.org.