Though the roots of animation date back as far as Paleolithic cave art, creations such as the thaumatrope and zoetrope took the art form to new heights in the 19th century. These toys, which relied on optical tricks in order to create the illusion of movement in otherwise still drawings, paved the path for more complex forms of animation, and even inspired a young Walt Disney. Journey back in time to create your own thaumatrope and a miniature zoetrope, which exemplify—through nothing more than clever positioning and a simple spinning motion—how immobile drawings can appear to come to life.
Other Programs
- Workshops Virtual
“Hakuna Matata” is the motto in this workshop! Join us in this Studio Series as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s The Lion King (1994)...
Sat, Jul 27 | 10:30am–noon PT - Workshops Virtual
“Hakuna Matata” is the motto in this workshop! Join us in this Studio Series as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s The Lion King (1994)...
Sat, Jul 27 | 1–2:30pm PT Walt Disney had many friendly felines grace the screen in his films, and today is no exception! Whether it be a mischievous mouser like Mittens from...
Sat, Aug 3 | 10:30am–12:30pmMake a splash at this Studio Series! From hand-drawn techniques in Walt Disney’s Pinocchio (1940) to 3D innovations in Walt Disney Animation Studios’...
Sat, Aug 17 | 10:30am–noonMake a splash at this Studio Series! From hand-drawn techniques in Walt Disney’s Pinocchio (1940) to 3D innovations in Walt Disney Animation Studios’...
Sat, Aug 17 | 1–2:30pm- Workshops Virtual
This Studio Series is sure to be “practically perfect in every way”! Fly a (metaphorical) kite with us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Mary...
Sat, Aug 24 | 10:30am–noon PT - Workshops Virtual
This Studio Series is sure to be “practically perfect in every way”! Fly a (metaphorical) kite with us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Mary...
Sat, Aug 24 | 1–2:30pm PT It’s sure to be “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” in this Pop-Up Studio! For 60 years, Mary Poppins (1964) has melted our hearts with memorable...
Sun, Aug 25 | 10:30am–12:30pmThis Studio Series is sure to be “practically perfect in every way”! Fly a (metaphorical) kite with us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Mary...
Sat, Aug 31 | 10:30am–noon PTThis Studio Series is sure to be “practically perfect in every way”! Fly a (metaphorical) kite with us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Mary...
Sat, Aug 31 | 1–2:30pm PT- Workshops
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight! For artists of all ages...
Thu, Sep 12 | 5–7pm - Workshops Virtual
Hang on tight for the “wildest ride in the wilderness!” During this western-themed workshop, we will celebrate the 45th anniversary of Disneyland’s...
Sat, Sep 14 | 10:30am–noon PT