Discover the Disney100 Exhibition Chicago in the Windy City
On Saturday, November 18, Disney100: The Exhibition officially opened its doors at the 35,000-square-foot Exhibition Hub Art Center in Chicago. Coinciding with the 95th birthday of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, the event brought an extra touch of celebration.
Presented by the Walt Disney Archives and Semmel Exhibitions, the Disney100 Exhibition Chicago features all-new original artwork, rare artifacts, and immersive gallery spaces. In Chicago, the exhibition is produced in collaboration with Exhibition Hub and Fever, both well-known for their engaging live entertainment events.
What’s New at Disney100 Exhibition Chicago
This Chicago edition showcases ten immersive galleries, each exploring beloved Disney stories. Updated installations include a redesigned prologue, “Into the Wonder,” which focuses on Walt Disney’s creative philosophies. Meanwhile, the final gallery, “We Are Just Getting Started,” concludes the experience with a reimagined take on 100 years of Disney storytelling. It even includes a platinum Partners statue where guests can pose for a memorable photo.
While the exhibition will travel globally for the next five years, Disney100 Exhibition Chicago offers exclusive installations not found in the Philadelphia debut—making it a must-see stop for fans and families alike.
Iconic Artifacts and a City Rich in Disney History
Throughout Disney100 Exhibition Chicago, more than 250 unique pieces are on display. These include:
- Visual development artwork from Bambi (1942)
- Original Disneyland attraction posters
- Props from 101 Dalmatians (1996), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and The Little Mermaid (2023)
- A 1955 Disneyland guidebook from the year the park opened
Chicago’s connection to Disney runs deep. Walt Disney was born in the city’s Hermosa neighborhood. He bought his first movie camera in Chicago and studied at both McKinley High School and the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.
Plan Your Visit
“We are incredibly excited to bring this fantastic exhibition to Chicago,” said Becky Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives. “Guests will experience beloved Disney stories, characters, and attractions in completely new ways.”
Located at 2367 W. Logan Blvd. in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the Exhibition Hub Art Center is easily accessible via public transportation. Disney100 Exhibition Chicago will be open through the holiday season and into 2024.
To learn more or purchase tickets, visit disney100exhibit.com/chicago.
