Disney100: The Exhibition, the largest exhibition the Walt Disney Archives has ever created, will open at the ExCeL Centre, London on 13 October 2023 as part of its ongoing world tour marking The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary on 16 October 2023.
The 20,000-square-foot exhibition, only 12-minutes from Central London on the Elizabeth Line, will provide fans of all generations with the opportunity to immerse themselves and rediscover some of their favourite Disney stories in ten magnificent and imaginatively themed galleries. With moving stories, historical artefacts, original costumes and unique interactive installations, visitors can take a mesmerising, nostalgic and educational journey through 100 years of The Walt Disney Company.
After previous residencies captivating audiences at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia USA and Munich’s Small Olympic Hall, this exhibition will provide fans in the United Kingdom with the opportunity to explore a vast array of artefacts from the Walt Disney Archives alongside many of the “Crown Jewels” from renowned classics including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) to contemporary releases such as Encanto (2021), as well as the latest members of the Disney family —Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel.
With awe-inspiring memorabilia and never-before-seen works of art, visitors will be taken on a journey as they explore the special behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of the company’s most popular characters, films, shows, and attractions—from Disneyland Paris to Walt Disney World® Resort and beyond.
In the gallery Where Do the Stories Come From? visitors can see the actual prop storybook [Dutch language] from the opening scene of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and the Mary Poppins (1964) carousel horse which Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke rode in his role as the lovable Bert. The stunning crystal glass slipper from Cinderella (2015) will also be on display alongside original artwork from the 1950 animated classic.
In The Illusion of Life gallery, the original artwork for the animation of ‘Cruella’ from One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) and the renowned red dress from Cruella (2021) will be showcased, conveying the fully developed personality of the ‘erratic and eccentric’ character. Visitors will also discover more about the creation of Disney heroes, villains, and sidekicks that have inspired and entertained audiences across the globe for 100 years—from the first sketch to the finished animation.
The stories of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel invite you on a journey in The Spirit of Adventure and Discovery gallery, where fans can look forward to seeing the Iron Man helmet from Avengers: Infinity War (2018), among other treasures. Of course, Disney100: The Exhibition also includes a look at Disney’s world-renowned theme parks. In the gallery Your Disney World: A Day in the Parks, visitors will feel as if they are standing on a version of Main Street, U.S.A., where they will see an attraction vehicle from Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland® Park and a model of the Castle of Magical Dreams for Hong Kong Disneyland® Park shine in the colourful light of fireworks.
During a visit to Disney100: The Exhibition, visitors are encouraged to capture cherished moments. With a series of extraordinary backdrops and photo opportunities with some of their favourite and beloved Disney characters, fans, families and kids can unleash their inner superhero as they take a photo with the life-sized ‘Incredibles Family’ from Disney and Pixar’s The Incredibles (2004), alongside photo opportunities with Mickey, Goofy, and Dopey. Kids can also test their observation skills with a series of “Did you know?” flip-style question-and-answer boards, offering child-friendly fun facts about assets found in each gallery.
It took four years to plan and assemble the artefacts for Disney100: The Exhibition, many of which will be on display for fans and Disney lovers for the first time. The majority of artefacts presented are from the collection of the Walt Disney Archives, with additional items from Marvel Studios, the Pixar Living Archives, the Walt Disney Animation Research Library and the collections of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Open throughout the holiday season and into 2024, families and loved ones can celebrate their love of Disney’s most timeless stories. With a gift shop featuring an array of exclusive and unique merchandise, visitors can purchase gifts to mark their visit and celebrate the holiday season.
Tickets for Disney100: The Exhibition are now on sale, starting from £16.50 off peak for children.
