Walt Disney once again strolls through the halls of his past in Kansas City, now celebrated by the grand Union Station exhibit, “Disney100: The Exhibition.” This expansive showcase, the most immersive project ever undertaken by Union Station, boasts hundreds of artifacts from the magical vaults of Walt Disney Archives, segmented into 14 interactive installations.
“As Kansas City played a pivotal role in shaping Walt’s journey, we’re ecstatic to bring this landmark tour here,” reflects Becky Cline, director of Walt Disney Archives, during the announcement. “This city nurtured his storytelling genius, the very essence of Disney magic.”
Union Station’s president, George Guastello, echoes this sentiment: “‘Disney100: The Exhibition’ perfectly marries Kansas City’s rich historical tapestry with Disney’s storied legacy. It’s both a walk down memory lane and a beacon of inspiration for future dreamers.”
The exhibition takes visitors on a whimsical journey from Disney’s early days, including his childhood in Kansas City and partnership with artist Ub Iwerks, to the inception of iconic characters like Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Mickey Mouse. Specifically, the gallery casts light on classics such as “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “Cinderella,” displaying iconic props and costumes like Cinderella’s gleaming slipper and Captain America’s shield.
Further, attendees can delve into genuine Kansas City-centric artifacts in the “Local Connections” space. For an enriched exploration of Disney’s time in Kansas City, the University of Missouri-Kansas City hosts the “Walt Disney in the UMKC Archives” exhibit.
“Disney100: The Exhibition” is a collaborative effort with Walt Disney Archives, Semmel Exhibitions, and Bank of America, running at Union Station through November 30. Engage with this celebration of creativity and history, and let us know in the comments how Disney has touched your own life.
Source: KC STUDIO
