Disney fans, rejoice—a new exhibit exploring the company’s storied history is coming to Chicago later this year.
“Disney100: The Exhibition,” a collaboration between The Walt Disney Archives and Semmel Exhibitions, will open at the 35,000-square-foot Exhibition Hub Art Center (2367 W Logan Blvd) in Lincoln Park on November 18, which coincides with the date of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s first on-screen appearance in 1928. It will feature 10 immersive galleries and more than 250 rarely-seen artifacts and memorabilia from various Disney franchises, including Marvel Studios and the Pixar Living Archives.
Among the things visitors will be able to see are visual developmental drawings for Sleeping Beauty and props like the Mad Hatter’s teapot from Alice in Wonderland, the poisoned caramel apple from Enchanted and the dinglehopper from The Little Mermaid. Also on display will be the Disneyland Park Employee Badge No. 1 issued to Walt Disney in 1955.
“Chicago is proud to host ‘Disney100: The Exhibition,’ returning to the very city where the Walt Disney legend first began,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a release. Walt Disney was born in Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood, and a photo of his birthplace will be showcased in the exhibit as well.
In addition to the exhibit, fans will have the opportunity to purchase exclusive merchandise from the gift shop and take photos in front of enticing backdrops. Ticket sales for “Disney100: The Exhibition” are open. You can currently join the waitlist on the official website. The experience is scheduled to run through the rest of the year and into 2024.
