Paris, France — A haughty horse, a sleeping Sleepy, a crystal slipper, the world of Walt Disney is everywhere in an interactive exhibition devoted to the magical world that emerged from the company founded by Walt Disney and his brother Roy In California back in 1923. Originally known as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio it would soon change its name to the Walt Disney Studio at Roy’s suggestion. After Philadelphia, Munich, London, Chicago, Kansas City and Seoul, this world called Disney, the Exhibition, A Century of Magic is being played out in Paris at the Porte de Versailles convention centre (and in Madrid, Spain as well) to the delight of one and all. The show is a celebration of a century of stories, characters, music and experiences created by the Walt Disney company that have marked generations of people around the world. 

This is a visual and auditory feast showcasing how Disney is ultimately a place to play and dream for children and adults alike. And a walk through the 10 immersive galleries also offers a glimpse into the technology and creative processes behind the magic that is Disney. The haughty carrousel horse with lilac spots that Julie Andrews rode in Mary Poppins (1964) is on hand and proved popular with visitors as was Cinderella’s glass slipper (made by the crystal specialist house of Swarovski for the 2015 live action film). Another highlight is the original book telling the tale of Sleeping Beauty (1959). There’s even a real-size teacup from the famous and popular Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups ride found at Disney theme parks around the world. 

A gallery devoted to the The Magic of Sound and Music catches the ear as famous songs from Disney are played out in the original English and dozens of translations. The exhibition underscores that the music in Disney creations is part of the story and not just a song. On display is the original sheet music for Whistle While You Work, sung by the dwarves in Sleeping Beauty, serving as a reminder of the value of well kept archives. There is also a segment exploring what was used to make the sounds for Steamboat Willie (1928) and the fairy Tinker Bell in Peter Pan (1953), emanating from the Jimmy MacDonald sound effect library. During his 48-year career at Disney, he created one of the most impressive sound effects libraries in motion picture history. Many of those sounds came from contraptions that he built himself. 

The show winds up with a statue of Walt holding the hand of Mickey, the mouse that started it all, with the famous saying « We’re Just Getting Started » flashing in the background, which is drawn from one of Walt Disney’s famous quotes: “I just want to leave you with this thought, that it’s just been sort of a dress rehearsal, and we’re just getting started. So if any of you start resting on your laurels, I mean just forget it, because…we are just getting started.”

As the visitors leave and head into the gift shop a short film filled with all of the Disney characters getting together for a group picture at the entrance to Disney studios is projected, reminding us all that dreams do come true. The show brings together over 250 objects, art works, costumes and props along with projections, 14 interactive installations. The show, which was four years in the making, was co-produced by Walt Disney Archives and Semmel Exhibitions and co-produced by Encore Productions and  Semmel Exhibitions. Tickets for Paris and Madrid are available at https://disney100exhibit.com/

©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette