FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2026
Contact
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center
Kelly Chidester
Executive Director
kelly@muzeo.org
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center Launches
A New Walt Disney Archives Exhibition
Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference
Opens August 8, 2026
ANAHEIM, CA, August 8, 2026 – Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center is thrilled to announce
the opening of Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference, a
world-premiere exhibition created and assembled for Muzeo by the Walt Disney Archives.
Opening August 8, 2026 and running through November 1, 2026, this landmark exhibition marks
a historic milestone for Muzeo, and for the city of Anaheim, as this collaboration brings the
magic and artistry of The Disney Company to the very city where Disneyland first opened its
doors.
Muzeo is deeply honored to partner with the Walt Disney Archives on an exhibition of this
magnitude. This is not only a celebration of Disney’s unparalleled creative legacy, but a
celebration of our community’s enduring connection to that legacy.
“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.” -Kelly Chidester, Executive Director, Muzeo
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference takes a fascinating look at
the pursuit of character animation through a collection of rarely seen photographs of live
performers and their animated counterparts. These charming snapshots celebrate the actors’
performances and the tenacious work of the Disney animation staff in their tireless pursuit of
filmmaking excellence. They are also a testament to Walt Disney, a man who elevated
animation into an art form and who pushed to achieve greater levels of personality in his craft.
The exhibition is structured around key themes that highlight the essential role of live-action
reference in animation. It offers an in-depth look at how this technique enhances fluid
movement, establishes a cohesive and balanced setting, captures realistic clothing and fabric,
creates believable character performances as they interact with props, and ensures accurate
proportions and behaviors for animals. These elements work together to add depth, personality,
and realism to Disney’s animated stories.
Featuring rarely seen archival photographs, materials, and interactives assembled by the Walt
Disney Archives, the exhibition offers visitors an intimate window into the creative process
behind some of the most beloved animated films in history.
Following its world premiere at Muzeo, the exhibition will travel to additional venues, making
Muzeo and the city of Anaheim the proud launching point for this traveling presentation.
ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES
Established in 1970, the Walt Disney Archives was founded to collect, preserve, share, and
make available for research a vast collection of historical materials relating to Walt Disney and
the company he founded. For more than 50 years, its collections have grown in tandem with
The Walt Disney Company itself.
Beyond its preservation mission, the Walt Disney Archives has an established tradition of
curating large-scale public exhibitions that celebrate Disney’s creative legacy, including
marquee displays for the biennial D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and worldwide
presentations such as Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume, All That Glitters: The
Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives, and the impressive 15,000-square-foot Disney100:
The Exhibition.
D23 MEMBER BENEFITS
In recognition of Disney’s dedicated fan community, D23 Members will enjoy exclusive benefits
throughout the run of the exhibition, including discounted admission and access to specially
curated programs and events accompanying the exhibition.
EXHIBITION DETAILS
Exhibition Title: Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference
Organized by: Walt Disney Archives, presented by Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center
Opening Date: August 8, 2026
Closing Date: November 1, 2026
Public Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center, 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805
Tickets/Information: www.muzeo.org
ABOUT MUZEO MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center is Anaheim’s premier destination for art, culture, and
history. Located in the heart of downtown Anaheim, Muzeo presents a dynamic range of
exhibitions and programs for audiences of all ages, connecting the community to art and ideas
that inspire. For more information, visit www.muzeo.org.
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