“Gawrsh!” It’s time to pack up our bags and hit the road for A Goofy Movie’s (1995) 30th anniversary. Spend the day with us in this Studio Series, as we soar through the evolution of Goofy’s character design and a behind-the-scenes look of the beloved film centered around this iconic character...
In conjunction with our current special exhibition, Directing at Disney, we are excited to present an in-depth conversation with Academy Award®, BAFTA®, and Golden Globe®-winning director Brenda Chapman. After beginning her career as a story artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1987 and...
Prepare yourself, traveler, as we go back to a time when magic existed. From fairytale classics such Walt Disney’s The Sword in the Stone (1963) to Disney and Pixar’s Onward (2020), enchanted tools such as wands and staffs have become a staple in fable lore. This Studio Series workshop will whisk...
The Walt Disney Family Museum is proud to call San Francisco's historic Presidio home. Visit our About page to learn more about the history of our museum buildings. For more information about restaurants, amenities, trails, transportation, and more, visit the Presidio’s newly-renovated William Penn Mott, Jr. Presidio Visitor Center, located just down the street from the museum on Lincoln Boulevard, and adjacent to the Presidio Transit Center. Additionally, explore the Presidio’s website to learn more before visiting the park.
The museum cafe is now open on museum operating days from 11am–3pm with limited grab-and-go snacks and beverages available.
Food and drink are only permitted in the cafe area. Outside food is not allowed in the museum, but can be consumed on the porch; outside beverages can be consumed in the cafe area.
Connect objects in our galleries with the stories behind them as we look closer at Walt Disney's life and legacy. Join a museum staff member for a brief exploration of topics central to Walt's life.
Spotlight Talks are 5-10 minute talks led by a museum staff member that take place in the museum galleries on weekends. Topics, times, and locations vary by day and are subject to availability. Check in with a Gallery Associate on the day of your visit for more information.
Mission Statement
The mission of The Walt Disney Family Museum Animation Academy is to provide comprehensive training in art, animation, and storytelling. Inspired by Walt Disney’s brilliance in fostering creative talent, the museum is committed to supporting the next generation of creative talent, with a focus on reaching marginalized individuals and communities. Our intention is to expand the reach of the program, encouraging creative and diverse voices to shape the future of the animation and film industry.
There will be no strings holding us down at this Studio Series! The story of Pinocchio and his journey from puppet to real live boy has touched hearts of people of all ages. Join us as we celebrate the 85th anniversary of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio (1940). As we discuss the history of the iconic figure...
Learn from animators, Imagineers, and other speakers about Walt Disney's life, career, and legacy.
Members have unlimited access to recordings of Happily Ever After Hours episodes through a special members-only portal.
Questions about our virtual talks? Visit our Virtual Programs FAQ here.
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight! Join us in our Art Studio where you can enjoy evening cocktails and follow along as our Education staff teaches you step-by-step how to sketch loving cartoon gestures.
In conjunction with our current special exhibition, Directing at Disney, the sons of Disney Legend and influential Disney Animation director Wolfgang “Woolie” Reitherman will be joining us for an exclusive talk about their father’s work, legacy, and lasting impact, along with their own involvement...
No screening Feb 8 & 22
The Walt Disney Family Museum might not be located “Down in New Orleans”, but you can feel like you are “Almost There” this February. Hop on down to our theater for a special month-long screening of The Princess and the Frog (2009), where a good time is just a bayou away. (Runtime: 95 minutes)
Sundays this February, The Walt Disney Family Museum presents a special sensory-friendly film screening of The Princess and the Frog (2009). To make this film a comfortable experience for all, lights will be dimmed instead of off, volume will be slightly lowered, and closed captioning will be turned...
How will you ever get to the ball this evening? Take a pumpkin, of course! Join us as we board a gourd and honor the 75th anniversary of Walt Disney’s Cinderella (1950). We will explore how this breathtaking film was made and the history behind the timeless fairytale. Then, with a wave of our...
Walt Disney was a master of storytelling and knew the importance it brought to each of his films. In this six-week class, students will master the fundamentals of storyboarding by learning how to communicate visually and clearly transcribe scripts to boards. Using film studies and techniques such as...
Walt Disney was a master of storytelling and knew the importance it brought to each of his films. In this six-week class, students will master the fundamentals of storyboarding by learning how to communicate visually and clearly transcribe scripts to boards. Using film studies and techniques such as...
Lights! Camera! Animate! All great films have a strong and passionate crew behind them, led—of course—by the director! Take a seat with us at this Studio Series workshop, as we celebrate our latest special exhibition, Directing at Disney. We will dive into the history of prevalent Disney directors...
Join us for an in-depth discussion with illustrator Elsa Chang as she discusses how her illustration path led her to visual development and eventually to character design for animation at Disney Television Animation.
Join author and self-proclaimed Disney fanatic Sunny Chanel for an in-depth discussion of her new book, Bring the Magic Home: An Exploration of Design Inspired by Disney Parks—published by Disney Editions. In this book, Chanel explores the immersive environments that contribute to making Disney...
Join us for an exclusive chat with Pixar Animation Studios' Roger Gould and Krista Sheffler as they discuss their work as part of Pixar’s Theme Parks group collaborating closely with Walt Disney Imagineering to seamlessly incorporate elements of beloved Pixar films into Disney Parks and Resorts...