In 2020, the Walt Disney Archives will celebrate its 50th anniversary and, to mark this special occasion, the department is spreading some extra pixie dust by introducing several exciting new events and opportunities to view treasured Disney historical objects around the country. The Archives’ very own retrospective exhibition “Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic” will premiere at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in March, while several other events and surprises are scheduled to occur throughout the rest of the year – be sure to stay tuned for more!
D23 CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES: In addition to the new exhibit coming to Destination D, D23 Members will be invited to a special Grand Opening Preview of Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, Calif., on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Plus, on June 22, the actual anniversary of the founding of the Archives, D23 will hold a special “birthday party” at the Bowers Museum. And next year, D23 will offer two exclusive D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: A Day at the Studio Lot, for an exciting look behind the incredible work that goes on every day at the Walt Disney Archives.
SCREENINGS at THE EL CAPITAN THEATRE:
Kicking off the magical milestone, the Archives and the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood are partnering for special El Cap Throwback screenings throughout the year. Before each screening, guests will be treated to an introduction by the Archives and have the chance to see an exclusive display of memorabilia from the film.
WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES PRESENTS HEROES & VILLAINS – THE ART OF THE DISNEY COSTUME at MoPOP:
The costuming of Disney characters has dazzled us for years, and now you have a chance to see some of the most stunning pieces up close. The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop) today announced the October opening of Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume in partnership with the Walt Disney Archives. Through more than 70 original items, including ball gowns, sorcerers’ capes, military uniforms, tiaras, and, of course, glass slippers, the exhibition immerses visitors into the world of Disney and shows how our understanding of its iconic characters is shaped through the artistry and creativity of its costumes.
D23 DESTINATION D: FANTASTIC WORLDS: Returning to Walt Disney World Resort next November 20–22, Destination D will honor Disney’s many magical places, from the extraordinary to the fantastical. In addition, the Walt Disney Archives, which turns 50 next year, is creating an all-new exhibit that will include 50 iconic treasures, representing the 50 years of the Archives. And Walt Disney Imagineering’s store, Mickey’s of Glendale, will once again open a pop-up shop featuring exclusive items, just for the weekend. Additional details, including special hotel rates and ticketing information, will be announced in late spring.