If you’ve ever wondered how Disney’s classic animators captured the way a cape flows in the wind or the way a horse actually moves, you’re about to get a front-row seat to the answer. The Walt Disney Archives is bringing a world-premiere exhibition to Anaheim, and it’s the kind of thing Disney history nerds have been waiting for.
D23 has announced Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference — an all-new exhibition curated by the Walt Disney Archives — is coming to the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim, California. The exhibition opens August 8, 2026 and runs through November 1, 2026, giving you nearly three months to make the trip.
What You’ll See
This isn’t your typical gallery walk. The exhibition digs into one of Disney animation’s most fascinating behind-the-scenes techniques: the use of live-action reference footage and photography to inform animated characters. Think rarely seen archival photographs of real performers posed alongside their animated counterparts, plus animator’s original materials and hands-on interactive activities.
The themes on display cover everything from fluid movement and cohesive settings to realistic clothing and fabric, character-prop interaction, and how animators nailed animal proportions. It’s a behind-the-curtain look at the craft that made Snow White move like a real person and Bambi walk like an actual deer.
What the People Behind It Are Saying
Muzeo executive director Kelley Chidester put it well: “Muzeo is deeply honored to work with the Walt Disney Archives on this exhibition. As an Anaheim institution, there is something profoundly meaningful about welcoming a Walt Disney Archives exhibition to the city that Walt Disney himself chose as the home of Disneyland.”
Matthew Adams, manager of Exhibitions at the Walt Disney Archives, added: “The Walt Disney Archives was established to ensure that Disney’s extraordinary creative legacy is preserved and shared with the world. We are excited to spotlight the innovative artistry and creative process that helped bring so many beloved animated stories to life.”
Perks for D23 Members
If you’re a D23 Member, mark August 8, 2026 on your calendar — that’s the exclusive D23 Member Preview event. Members also get discounted admission and access to exclusive programs throughout the run, so your membership is definitely earning its keep on this one.
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center is located right in Anaheim, making it an easy add-on to any Disneyland trip. We’ll have more details on tickets and programming as they’re announced — stay tuned to Theme Park Shark.
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