BURBANK, Calif. – April 16, 2012 – D23
PRESENTS TREASURES OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES, which encompasses more
than 500 historic artifacts from nearly nine decades of Disney history, opens
at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum on July 6, continuing
through April 2013.
Presented
by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation
and Library, D23 PRESENTS TREASURES OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES is the
largest exhibition ever curated by the Walt Disney Archives, at 12,000 square
feet. From Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Mickey Mouse to Captain Jack Sparrow and
Captain America, the exhibition features more than 500 artifacts, at least half
of which have never been seen by the public— including models, props, costumes,
set pieces, and artwork from throughout Disney history.
“Ronald Reagan and Walt Disney were
longtime friends, two optimists who shared an unwavering belief in the
essential goodness of the American way of life,” said Bob Iger, chairman and
CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re proud to partner with the Reagan Library
and the National Archives to showcase Disney’s rich entertainment legacy. This
extraordinary exhibit will offer visitors an unprecedented look into Disney’s
history and celebrate the connection between these two American originals.”
Among the
extraordinary items to be featured are:
·
The original
script, written by Walt Disney, for Mickey Mouse’s film debut in 1928’s Steamboat Willie;
·
A faithful
recreation of Walt’s formal office from the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank,
Calif., including original furnishings and many of his personal items;
·
Hand-drawn
artwork and hand-sculpted models used in the production of some of the most
beloved Disney animated film classics ever created, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Bambi, and Sleeping Beauty;
·
Props from
classic Disney live-action productions, including Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Absent-Minded Professor,
The Shaggy Dog, Babes in Toyland, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and more;
·
Breathtaking
props, costumes, and set pieces from recent Disney classics, including the Pirates of the Caribbean films, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, TRON: Legacy, National Treasure and Captain
America;
·
Intricately sculptured
busts of all 44 U.S. Presidents that were created for Audio-Animatronics® figures seen in the The Hall of Presidents attraction at the
Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort;
·
A salute to Disneyland
and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, showcasing theme park artwork, Audio-Animatronics® characters,
memorabilia and authentic attraction vehicles
The exhibition also
pays tribute to the long personal friendship and professional collaboration
between Walt Disney and Ronald Reagan, which began many years before President
Reagan’s political career.
On July 17, 1955,
Ronald Reagan was one of the co-hosts of ABC Network’s live coverage of the
opening of Disneyland, and as governor of California, he frequently visited
Disney’s first theme park. After leaving the Oval Office, one of his first
public events was a return to Disneyland, where he officiated at the park’s
January 1990 35th-anniversary celebration, proclaiming it “one of America’s
national treasures.”
“Walt Disney and
Ronald Reagan shared a passion for America, a belief in the human spirit, and
an innate optimism that, in both men, galvanized the public,” said John
Heubusch, executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. “President
Reagan was a great admirer of Walt Disney, and we are tremendously proud to
host this wonderful exhibition of Disney treasures, and to honor the bond
between Walt and President Reagan.”
For exhibit hours
and additional information, visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library &
Museum online at www.reaganlibrary.com,
or www.Disney.com/D23. Admission to the exhibition is included with the
purchase of admission to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum. Through April 2013, when the exhibition is
scheduled to end, members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club also save $2 on
every adult admission.
“At 12,000 square feet, this is the
largest special exhibit the Reagan Library has ever put on,” said Duke
Blackwood, director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. “It is a
testament to the relationship between Walt Disney and our nation’s presidents,
as well as the story of Disney, itself. The Reagan Library and National
Archives are honored to host this extraordinary exhibit.”
The Ronald Reagan
Library & Museum is located in Simi Valley, Calif., about 60 minutes north
of downtown Los Angeles and approximately two hours north of the Disneyland
Resort in Anaheim.
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