‘Disney: The Magic of Animation’ now on at ACMI Melbourne

By creammagazine, May 14, 2021

Australia’s national museum of screen culture, aka: ACMI, this week unveils its long-awaited exhibition Disney: The Magic of Animation, which celebrates almost a century of creations from the iconic studio.

Walt Disney Animation Studios has been creating extraordinary films for almost a century, with every film beginning with drawings that capture the essence of character, story and emotion. Disney: The Magic of Animation features over 500 original art works from the 1920s through to present day, including paintings, sketches and concept art that have been specially selected by the Walt Disney Animation Research Library.

These rarely seen works highlight the detailed development of Disney’s most beloved animations – from Mickey Mouse’s first talkie Steamboat Willie (1928), through to the groundbreaking Fantasia (1940) and the universally celebrated Frozen (2013) – while highlighting the extraordinary evolution of animation techniques which the studio pioneered.

Keeping its finger on the pulse, the Melbourne iteration will also feature never-before-exhibited artwork from the studio’s newest release ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ (2021).

Says ACMI Director, Katrina Sedgwick, “Disney has enchanted audiences across the world, with the universal fondness for beloved classics just as strong as the enthusiasm for modern masterpieces. It’s so special to be able to bring an exhibition to Australia that will resonate so strongly with audiences of all ages and all cultures and will be a source of joy for so many.”

Lauded across the globe, with exhibitions already hosted in Paris, Tokyo and Seoul, among other cities, Disney: The Magic of Animation is a fantastic compilation of artworks sure to spark joy, curiosity and nostalgia in visitors young and old.

The opening of Disney: The Magic of Animation is the first time a major exhibition has taken place since the museum’s $40 million redevelopment, backed by the Victorian Government.

Antonino Tati

‘Disney: The Magic of Animation’ is on from 13 May – 17 Oct 2021 at ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne. 

Tickets can be purchased online at acmi.net.au.