The upcoming Disney100 exhibit will make its world premiere at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia on February 18, 2023.
The immersive, themed galleries will take you on an adventure through Disney’s history. This is perfect for the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company because it invites guests to step into their favorite stories with innovative and enterprising technology throughout ten galleries in this 15,000 square foot exhibit! This experience is perfect for all ages!
The Walt Disney Archives is a treasure trove of memorabilia and artwork that will be on display for visitors to see. You can find original costumes, props from films or shows as well as behind-the scenes glimpses into the creation process with favorite characters like Mickey Mouse!
Tickets are currently on sale and they greeted invited guest to a sneak peak. Becky Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives, walked us through five of the “Crown Jewels,” rarely seen original artworks and artifacts, costumes and props, and other memorabilia.
Disneyland – Walt's Disneyland Number 1 pin (name tag), brass (as seen in the Disneyland 10th Anniv. TV show). In the early years of Disneyland, hosts and hostesses were issued badges inscribed with numbers instead of first names. It was not until 1962 that names were engraved on name tags, starting a tradition that continues in all Disney theme parks to this day. Opening Day
In Walt Disney’s hit 1959 film The Shaggy Dog, teenager Wilby Daniels (played by future Disney Legend Tommy Kirk) accidentally discovers this magic ring in a museum and, by repeating the Latin inscription featured on the band, transforms into a large and clumsy Bratislavian sheepdog.
Once wielded by Anakin Skywalker, and later inherited by Luke and mysteriously gifted to Rey, filmmakers recreated the Skywalker Lightsaber hilt for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) in its repaired form, still emulating the real-world Graflex camera flash holder from which the original was fabricated.
Debuting at the Colony Theatre in New York City on November 18, 1928, Steamboat Willie was the first theatrically-released Mickey Mouse cartoon and the first cartoon to feature synchronized sound. Sound effects devices, like the whistle seen here, helped to capture an all-new level of artistry in Walt Disney’s groundbreaking animated films.
This prop storybook opened Walt Disney’s first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), drawing moviegoers into the fairy tale world from which Snow White originated. This introductory convention would go on to appear in many of Disney’s future animated films, including Pinocchio (1940), Cinderella (1950), and Sleeping Beauty (1959).
Where It All Began– Disney100
This gallery introduces visionary filmmaker and innovator Walt Disney and his philosophies that laid the foundation for the Walt Disney Company. Guests will explore his story from before Mickey Mouse to Mickey’s debut in Steamboat Willie in 1928 to the fantastic breakthroughs in animation during the early 1930s.
Where Do the Stories Come From?
A gallery dedicated to the art of storytelling with ever-changing multimedia environments that illustrate how Disney storytellers bring characters to life. Guests can explore the sources of inspiration for Disney’s most beloved and iconic films through art and artifacts from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Frozen, and The Princess and the Frog.
Sources of Inspiration
From classic fairy tales and legends to original creations, this immersive and interactive installation invites visitors to explore the literary influences behind some of their favorite stories and see how they inspired Disney artists and storytellers.
Related: One Day in Philadelphia
The Spirit of Adventure and Discovery
From the depths of the ocean and the mysteries of the jungle to the outer reaches of the galaxy, Disney adventure stories from Disney, Star Wars, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe invite exploration and discovery in this interactive gallery where curious youngsters can embark on a quest to uncover hidden artifacts from favorite films.
The Nautilus Window
Guests can peer through an interactive window of Captain Nemo’s legendary submarine, as seen in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, for a glimpse of Disney and Pixar’s enchanting underwater worlds.
Your Disney World: A Day in the Parks
Guests step into a recreation of Main Street, U.S.A., to explore the legacy and development of Disney parks and attractions worldwide. There's more to the story of how Disney Parks came into being than you might have thought. This gallery will explore all things related, from development and creation through attraction vehicles or even what happens at night!
“In 1923, Walt Disney set our company on a path that would revolutionize the entertainment industry, creating unforgettable stories, beloved characters, and unparalleled experiences that generations of fans around the world have enjoyed,” said Becky Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives. “This incredible exhibit will take guests on a remarkable journey from those earliest days into Disney’s dazzling future using seamless technology, a rich musical score, and—of course—treasures from the Walt Disney Archives collection.”
“The Franklin Institute has spent almost 200 years bringing stories of innovation and discovery to the public in an immersive and interactive way, so Disney100: The Exhibition is a perfect fit for us and our audience,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute. “We are proud to host the world premiere at The Franklin Institute so fans across Philadelphia and beyond can have the first opportunity to see these crown jewels come to life in beautifully crafted galleries reflecting Disney's imaginative storytelling, innovation, discovery, and wonder.”
Disney100: The Exhibition is created and curated by the Walt Disney Archives and Semmel Exhibitions, which also hosted the Marvel exhibit a few years ago. The Franklin Institute is proud to present and play host to the world premiere of Disney100: The Exhibition in the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion and the Mandell Center. PECO, the Premier Corporate Partner of the Franklin Institute, is the Local Presenting Sponsor of the exhibition, and PNC is the Associate Sponsor.
Grab tickets now for the Disney100 the exhibition- $41 for kids and $43 for adults (with discounts for museum members). If you’re looking to save some money, there are also evening tickets for $25, which only include admission to the Disney100 exhibit from 5 p.m. to close.
