As a family that cherishes both the magic of cinema and quality family time, our recent visit to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles was an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the heart of LA, this museum is a treasure trove of film history, innovation, and artistry.
The author received free admission to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are the author's own.
Stepping into the World of Animation
As we stepped into the Animation Gallery of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, we were surrounded by vibrant displays tracing the evolution of animation from its earliest days to the present. The walls were adorned with original sketches, storyboards, and iconic scenes from beloved animated films, offering a captivating glimpse into the creative process behind these masterpieces.
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One of the highlights was seeing this miniature set used for Guillermo del Toro's "Pinocchio" (2022), which was incredibly impressive! This film, shot over 940 days on 60 sets, simultaneously in three different locations around the world, won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film.
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Additionally, we marveled at the cels from "The Thief and the Cobbler," an unfinished masterpiece that began in the 1960s and was in development for over three decades. This ambitious project was eventually released in various versions, including the movie "Arabian Knight" (1995).
Interactive Displays and Hands-On Fun
Another highlight for our kids was the array of interactive displays.
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During our visit we had the pleasure of watching the "Puppets and Pride" show by the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. This was definitely one of our favorite parts — the puppeteers brought the musical marionette lineup to life with incredible skill and charm. Before the show, they even walked around the museum with these fantastic puppets, adding to the excitement.
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We also explored Pedro Almodóvar's immersive installation, specifically designed for the Academy Museum. Each of the twelve screens in this section offers a poetic distillation of a crucial theme or iconic scene from his body of work, spanning from 1984 to 2019. This installation beautifully displays Almodóvar's cinematic influences.
The Oscars Experience added a touch of Hollywood glamour, allowing visitors to walk a replica red carpet, hold a real Oscar statuette, and explore the history and behind-the-scenes secrets of the Academy Awards. It was incredibly cool!
A Journey Through Time
The museum's collection of animation artifacts is both comprehensive and captivating. We were enthralled by the original cels from classics like "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and "The Little Mermaid," as well as contemporary hits like "Toy Story" and "Frozen." Each piece told its own unique story, showcasing the painstaking effort and boundless creativity that goes into making animated films.
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The Identity Gallery is dedicated to showcasing costumes and props from many beloved films, like "Star Wars" and "Iron Man." And my two oldest boys absolutely loved the circular screening room. They were full of questions about why we don't have such an immersive cinematic experience at home. The Academy Museum is definitely setting the bar high with this feature!
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Behind the Scenes Insights
For the adults, the behind-the-scenes insights were particularly fascinating. Detailed exhibits explained the technological advancements that have revolutionized animation over the years, from hand-drawn cels to CGI. We also enjoyed learning about pioneering animators like Walt Disney and Hayao Miyazaki, whose work has profoundly shaped the industry. These stories added depth and context to the beautiful art surrounding us.
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Star Wars fans will be thrilled by the Spielberg Family Gallery, dedicated to featuring the motion-controlled camera system called the Dykstraflex, created to film the spaceship miniatures for the first Star Wars movie. This innovative system was used throughout the original Star Wars trilogy — a fascinating look at the groundbreaking technology behind these iconic films.
Family-Friendly Features
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The Academy Museum has thoughtfully designed its exhibits to be family-friendly. Some of our favorites were looking through mutoscopes and seeing cartoon animations slide by slide.
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We participated in a drop-in puppet-making workshop for families in the museum's Shirley Temple Education Studio. The staff were wonderful and engaging, assisting us in creating fun and creative puppets.
These Drop-In Workshop for Families are offered the first three Saturdays of every month and the workshop schedule is online! Interested in seeing what workshops are coming up?
There was also a cozy area in the studio with chairs next to a bookshelf of kids' books, which my sons enjoyed. They also had coloring sheets for my toddler, which entertained him while my older two were creating their puppets.
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They also offer a Calm Mornings program, which creates a welcoming environment for all visitors to enjoy sensory-friendly spaces with moderated light and sound. This is a great option for those with sensory sensitivities.
A Memorable Experience
Our visit to the Academy Museum was a day well spent. The Animation Gallery, in particular, provided a perfect blend of education and entertainment, making it a hit with every member of our family. We left the museum with a deeper appreciation for the art of animation and memories that we will cherish for years to come.
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If you're looking for a family-friendly outing that combines the magic of movies with interactive learning, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a must-visit. It's a place where the past, present, and future of cinema come alive, offering something special for visitors of all ages.
Whether you're an animation enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out with the kids, this museum promises an experience that is both enlightening and enchanting. We can't wait to visit again!
For more information, including directions, tickets, exhibits and more, check out their website https://www.academymuseum.org/en.
