Since the dawn of cinema, animation has been one of the most iconic forms of artistic expression, stirring our collective imagination and bringing us into the the realm of the fantastic. From the innocent whimsy of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the biting humor and bizarre adventures of Rick and Morty, animated films and TV shows introduce us to a reality that is only limited by what we can dream in our mind’s eye.
For lovers of animated storytelling, animation museums are the ultimate must-visit destination. Animation museums help us take the leap from dream to reality, creating places where animation enthusiasts can truly enjoy their passion while also learning how creators bring their favorite characters to life.
Here’s our personal selection of the most impressive national and international animation museums you should definitely try to fit on your next vacation!
Ghibli Museum — Mitaka, Japan
Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Japan
Fans of Studio Ghibli’s whimsical storytelling and vibrant animation style will love the Ghibli Museum, one of the most remarkable destinations in Japan. The studio that introduced the world to the likes of the noble Totoro and Princess Kaguya pulls all the stops in making a truly memorable experience for anime fans.
Staff at the Ghibli Museum educate visitors about all the tiny details that go into making animated films while highlighting some of studio’s most famous creations. Chief among the star attractions at the museum are a life-size replica of Catbus and the institution’s famed Rooftop Garden, a natural paradise that is guarded by a Robot Soldier from the 1986 classic, Laputa: Castle in the Sky.
Walt Disney Family Museum — San Francisco
“Walt Disney Family Museum” by HarshLight is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The life and legacy of Walt Disney takes center stage at the Walt Disney Family Museum, Golden State’s homage to one of the pioneers of early animation. Visitors to this museum in San Francisco can take a tour through Disney’s storied career as founder of one of the largest entertainment empires in the world. Starting with the animator’s humble beginnings as an independent cartoonist in Kansas City, the museum takes visitors on a detailed timeline of Disney’s life, showing that art and creativity were always his true north.
Among the most popular exhibits is a collection of 248 honors bestowed upon Disney during his life, including a special Oscar statuette he received for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The animator’s first sketches of Mickey Mouse are also a popular exhibit.
Museum of the Moving Image — New York
“MoMI2” is licensed under Wikimedia Commons
Located in a former film studio in the heart of the New York neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, the Museum of the Moving Image takes you on an in-depth exploration of the film production process from reel to screen. Boasting everything from concept art and props to posters and production models, the Museum of the Moving Image is one of the most popular destinations for visitors with kids in the Big Apple. Animation fans will adore visiting the museum’s media lab, where they can create their own cartoons and stop motion films. Revolving exhibits at the museum further showcase a wide array of animation history, including the work of Jim Henson and Saturday morning cartoons.
Toei Animation Museum — Tokyo
From Dragon Ball to Digimon, Toei Animation has brought some of the greatest characters to life in its ever-expanding lineup of anime films and TV shows. Since its establishment in 2018, the Toei Animation Museum has honored the legacy of the studio while simultaneously giving Toei’s most diehard fans a place to geek out and celebrate their most beloved franchises.
The museum’s first floor is dedicated to the history of Toei and showcases various exhibits from the studio’s history, including a retrospective analysis of cell animation and its evolution to digital. The institution’s upper floor features a wide-ranging series of interactive experiences where visitors can dance, read mangas, and pose for photos with their favorite Toei characters.
The Cartoon Museum — London
“The Cartoon Museum – Little Russell Street, London – first floor gallery – seaside cardboard cutouts” by Elliot Brown licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Located in the heart of Central London, the Cartoon Museum is one of the finest collections of cartoons and comic book art in the world. The Cartoon Museum houses over 6,000 cartoons and comics made by British artists from the 1750s to the modern era. Focusing on the role of cartoons in British culture and society, the museum showcases works by some of Britain’s most famous graphic novelists while simultaneously displaying examples of the use of comics and cartoons in everything from business advertising to political satire. Workshops at the museum further emphasize the importance of the arts and allow visitors to try their hand at creating their own comic strips.
The Science Behind Pixar Exhibition — Various Locations
“The Science Behind Pixar Exhibition” by Jeremy Thompson is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Pixar has made generations of kids laugh, cry, and shout for joy through their award-winning animation and emotionally resonant storytelling. The studio now lets their biggest fans get a peek behind the curtain through The Science Behind Pixar, the company’s traveling exhibition. Placing a heavy emphasis on STEM education, The Science Behind Pixar lets visitors experience every aspect of the production process of a Pixar film, from storyboarding to modeling characters to rendering 3D environments. Boasting over 13,000 square feet, the exhibition also lets guests pose for photographs with some of the studio’s best-known characters, including the spacefaring Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story.
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Cartoon Art Museum — San Francisco
“Cartoon Art Museum” by Andrew is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Cartoon and comic book history abound at the Cartoon Art Museum, an institution just steps from San Francisco’s beautiful Aquatic Park. Guests are in for the treat of a lifetime as they stroll through a curated gallery of original artwork from some of the most legendary names in animation.
Among the biggest crowd-pleasers at the museum are animation cells from classic cartoons like Scooby-Doo and original sketches by Peanuts creator Charles Schulz. Comic book fans will also not want to miss an entire room dedicated to Batman memorabilia, including several props from Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight movies. After touring the museum, take a break and chill out in their reading room to discover your new favorite graphic novel.
FAQs:
Q: Are tickets required in advance for most animation museums?
A: It’s best to check the specific museum’s website, as some museums — like the Ghibli Museum — require advance tickets due to high demand. Others may offer on-site tickets, but purchasing in advance can help avoid long lines or sold-out days.
Q: Do these museums offer guided tours?
A: Many animation museums, such as the Museum of the Moving Image and the Walt Disney Family Museum, offer guided tours or audio guides. Be sure to check the museum’s website for tour schedules and availability.
Q: Can children participate in activities at these museums?
A: Yes, most of these museums have interactive elements for children. For example, the Museum of the Moving Image offers a media lab where kids can create their own animations, and the Ghibli Museum has child-friendly exhibits like the life-size Catbus.
Q: Are photography and video allowed inside the museums?
A: Policies vary by museum. While some, like the Cartoon Museum in London, may allow photography in certain areas, others, such as the Ghibli Museum, have stricter no-photography rules.
Q: Do these museums have gift shops?
A: Yes, most animation museums have gift shops where you can purchase themed merchandise. For example, the Toei Animation Museum and the Walt Disney Family Museum offer a range of exclusive collectibles and souvenirs related to their respective franchises.
Q: Are the museums accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Most museums on this list are accessible, with ramps, elevators, and facilities for visitors with disabilities. It’s advisable to check specific accessibility information on each museum’s website before visiting.
Q: How long does it typically take to explore these museums?
A: The time needed can vary depending on the museum. Most visitors spend about two to three hours at places like the Animation Museum in Chuncheon or the Walt Disney Family Museum. Larger or more interactive museums, like The Science Behind Pixar exhibition, may take longer to fully explore.
Do you know of any other cool museum for hardcore animation fans? Let us know in our comments section below!
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