Nov
16
Walt Disney Family Museum Visit & Photos
Filed Under Museums, USA - California | Comments Off
The Walt Disney Family Museum, which opened in San Francisco’s Presidio on October 1, 2009, showcases Mr. Walt Disney’s life story. Ten galleries present the achievements of the man who created famous animation like Mickey Mouse, transformed the film industry with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and created the sense of wonder in his vision of theme parks. His contribution to popular culture in America and throughout the world is captured in this newly opened museum.
His daughter, Diane Disney Miller, a local in San Francisco, said, “My father has one of the most well-know names around the world, but as the Disney ‘brand’ has grown, the man has become lost”. The “Family” museum successfully tells the story of the man through his own words and the words of others who know him so well. Gallery one begins with Walt’s early years, born in Chicago in 1901, moved to a Missouri farm where he first learned to draw. The remaining galleries are rich with artifacts, interviews, over 200 video monitors, animation and state of the art exhibits. The final gallery concludes with a tribute to Walt Disney who died in 1966.
After you get your entry ticket, one is amazed at the showcases of awards on the first level. There is the original victorian furniture from Walt’s Disneyland apartment along with his early history. You are then invited to enter an elevator, decorated in a historical train theme, which takes you up to more galleries. The first featuring his arrival in Hollywood. As you move into more recent periods the museums displays reflect that periods technology. You will be impressed with the great high definition video screens and multi media presentations.
The museum consist of walking through galleries, however, there are comfortable benches to rest on. In some exhibits, the audio is a bit hard to hear unless you get very close to a display. Sound from other nearby displays can be annoying. Many of the interactive stations are computerized and there is a ton of archival material to go through–plan on at least 3 to 4 hours to see everything if your a big Disney fan. Others will find 2 hours is enough. There is a large model of Walt’s vision for Disneyland and many of the attractions are in the park today.
The Walt Disney Family Museum is fascinating for anyone interested in Disney, movies, history, art, theater, Americana and so on. For small children under 6, I wouldn’t recommend this museum. When I interview an 11 year old boy, he stated that he enjoyed the museum and his favorite part was learning how cartoons were made. The gift shop has many drawing/art products and I was told that in the future, the facility plans to offer basic sketching classes. The gift shop also has Disney items that are unique to this museum. A small cafe offers snacks the restaurant La Terrasse, is a short walk away. MurrayOnTravel.com was invited to visit the museum, and was provided free entry. Top photo Copyright Bruce Murray. All other images provided by / Copyright Disney, they do not allow photography inside the museum.
Located in The Presidio of San Francisco, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area of the National Park Service, is home to the new museum. Housed in a former barrack, the building holds the main exhibit galleries, a café, museum store, learning center and 114-seat screening facility. Parking is ample if you choose to drive. The Walt Disney Museum is only a short walk away from the Parks Transit Center. Presidio Maps
Admission is by timed-entry ticket which can be purchased up to 60 days in advance on line. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and $12.50 for children 6 to 17. Museum Website
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Aug
28
Washington’s Lincoln Cottage Refurbished
Filed Under Museums, USA - Washington DC | Comments Off
On hot muggy days during the 1860’s President Abraham Lincoln headed 3 miles north of the White House to a hilltop Gothic Revival “cottage” retreat. This 34 room cottage is now open to the public after a $15 million, 7 year long rehab.
Built in 1842 as a private home it was later used by several Presidents, it was last visited by President Lincoln the day before his assassination in 1865. The cottage doesn’t have an extensive furniture collection, this is not an major historic display, the nine rooms that have been open are a bit sparse.
Visit the at www.LincolnCottage.org
Jul
4
Newseum: Depression And “News” Museum
Filed Under Museums, News, USA - Washington DC | Comments Off
Washington DC is full of monuments to the past. Now you can add one more. The NEWSEUM, a massive $450 million salute to a depressing industry that says they don’t make the news, just report it. The 25,000 square feet of space occupies a location on Pennsylvania Avenue that would lead you to believe the museums developers, the Freedom Forum, think they belong shoulder to shoulder with our powerful government. Or maybe it indicates just how close these two institutions really are.
Photo Provided by Newseum.
Unlike many of the free museums and monuments that surround it, the Newseum charges a depressing $20 entrance fee. It’s not unlike the blindness the news media suffers from today, with vast numbers of free sources of information on the web they continue to collect cash for chopped down trees and ink.
I would make this one of my last stops, or my first if you have already seen all of what Washington DC has to offer. The Newseum does have some interesting historical artifacts and interesting depressing displays. But for me it shows how screwed up this industry is. What’s next? The Petroseum?
You may enjoyed the display of history captured on the front pages of newspapers from 1545 to today. The 911 gallery video, given from the reporters point of view, was also very powerful, teary eyed viewers will find tissues are provided. If you visit, I’d suggest you not skip the introduction movie on the first floor, before going to the 4D Movie as I did. Who wouldn’t want to see “4D” right away, but the orientation presentation is helpful.
It is also important to remember that this place is a bit sad and depressing. If it bleeds it leads. And that is mostly what you see here. It may really bring you down.
For more check your local paper go to your library…. Or click here.
