Disney: The Magic of Animation in Wellington

Every Disney character starts with a drawing. Discover how they are brought to the screen at ‘Disney: The Magic of Animation | Ngā Tāoreore Tūmatarau’. See the internationally acclaimed exhibition at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The exhibition features artworks from classic stories and films spanning 100 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios. See more than 600 art pieces up close, from original sketches of timeless characters to modern, computer-generated wonders. Go behind the scenes to witness the artistry that goes into creating beloved on-screen characters.

Four people browse the artifacts on display at Disney: The Magic of Animation exhibition.

An adult and two kids look at illustrations on display at Disney: The Magic of Animation exhibition.

An adult is with a child who is sketching on a notepad while enjoying at Disney: The Magic of Animation.

A child and two adults sit at a table drawing with coloured pencils.

Disney: The Magic of Animation is curated by the team at the Walt Disney Animation Research Library. It offers a rare glimpse at the development of characters and animation techniques. See works from classics like Mickey Mouse’s first talkie ‘Steamboat Willie’ (1928) and ‘Fantasia’ (1940). Don’t miss modern favourites like ‘Frozen’ (2013) and ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ (2021). Artwork from Disney’s latest release, ‘Moana 2’, is also included in the exhibition.

The exhibition features interactive animation stations for kids of all ages. Practice your colouring magic or enjoy costumes for the little ones. Take a spin with Belle and the Beast in the ballroom, and watch Alice forever falling through an immersive projection experience.

Kristen McCormick, Art Exhibitions & Conservation Manager of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, helped curate the exhibition. Kristen and her team hand-selected the artworks on display from a collection of over 65 million.

This is the first time Disney: The Magic of Animation has come to New Zealand and is exclusive to Wellington.

This exhibition is proudly sponsored by Streamliner, Dulux, Novotel, OfficeMax, and Whitcoulls.

“Guests will have a rare opportunity to see how the film makers and artists develop our stories and work through different ideas and concepts as they create the films we know so well.”

Kristen McCormick, Art Exhibitions & Conservation Manager, Walt Disney Animation Research Library

Three people look at sketches at the Disney exhibition at Tākina. One of them wears Minnie Mouse ears.

Never run out of magic with a Superfan ticket

Make the magic last forever with a Superfan ticket to Disney: The Magic of Animation. Your ticket will allow unlimited exhibition entry and a range of extra perks. Enjoy a 15% discount on any events within the exhibition event programme, a 10% discount in the retail store, and a 10% discount voucher to Zephyr Café at Tākina. The ticket also includes a Disney lanyard and a Disney Magic Moment. These digital mementos allow you to recreate three classic Disney movie scenes using a green screen. Sit on Pride Rock with Simba, or join the Mad Hatter for a tea party.

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Disney: The Magic of Animation events

Magic After Hours with Disney

Last Thursday of the month

Take an after-hours opportunity to explore Disney: The Magic of Animation. Meet up with friends after work or take your favourite person out for date night. The sessions are running between 5pm and 7pm on the last Thursday of each month, and you must be over 18 to attend. Tickets include entry to the exhibition plus a complimentary drink and shared grazing platters on arrival. Listen out for the playlist of your favourite Disney songs, too.

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Disney Crafting

Every Sunday in March

Here’s a crafty way to make your visit to Disney: The Magic of Animation even more fun. Create your own unique set of Mickey ears with special craft material — all you need to bring is your imagination. Every Sunday in March between 9.30am and 1.30pm you can make your Disney experience even more memorable. Families with children of all ages are welcome but kids under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Each ticket to this activity includes one set of Mickey ears. Exhibition entry must be purchased separately.

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White Rabbit Easter

12 to 4pm, Sunday 20 April 2025

There is some extra special magic for kids happening at Tākina this Easter to celebrate Disney: The Magic of Animation. Join us on Sunday 20 April for a free afternoon of Easter trail fun, face painting, balloons and more in the Tākina foyer, grab a bite to eat from Zephyr Café and get your tickets for Disney: The Magic of Animation.

A Bella Notte with Disney

Saturday 17 May 2025

Spend a romantic evening Disney-style at this special event. Whether you’ve been together for 30 years or three days, spoil that ‘someone special’ in your life. Start the night by exploring the exhibition, and once you’re finished let one of the waiters show you to your table for two. Your romantic dinner includes the best spaghetti bolognese in town, just like ‘Lady and the Tramp’, followed by platters of Disney-inspired sweet treats.

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Mary Walsh, the managing director of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library.

Preserving the magic of Disney

Mary Walsh is the managing director of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library. It’s her job to oversee the millions of original artworks it preserves and to select the 600 works on display for Disney: The Magic of Animation.