Disney News

Disney Legend Sam McKim to be Honored with Centennial Celebration and Exclusive Gallery Exhibit

Denise , 

Hi everyone!

Disney Legend Sam McKim would have turned 100 this year, and he will be commemorated with a special event and gallery exhibit that is set to take place at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, CA. on November 10th, 2024. The event sounds amazing! The pop-up gallery exhibit will display McKim’s original Disney artwork and memorabilia from his days as a child actor.

Read below for more information, and tickets can be found here while they remain available.

Burbank, CA – September 30, 2024 – In commemoration of what would have been Disney Legend Sam McKim’s 100th birthday, a special event and gallery exhibit will take place on November 10, 2024, at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, CA. The late Sam McKim (1924-2004), a celebrated Disney artist and Imagineer, was instrumental in shaping Disneyland and other iconic Disney attractions. His contributions will be remembered with an exclusive, one-time tribute that showcases both his legacy and never-before-seen artwork.
 
Disney fans, industry insiders, and family will gather to honor McKim’s work, which spanned 32 years, including 12 years directly collaborating with Walt Disney. The event will feature a panel of close colleagues and family, sharing stories about McKim’s profound impact on Disney Imagineering and his role in creating timeless attractions such as Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Haunted Mansion.
 
As part of the centennial celebration, attendees will have access to a pop-up gallery exhibit, displaying McKim’s original Disney artwork and exclusive memorabilia from his days as a child actor in Hollywood. This collection will provide a unique glimpse into the mind of one of Disney’s most influential artists, revealing the artistic process behind many of the Disney Parks’ most beloved attractions.
 
Why This Is Important:
Sam McKim’s visionary work laid the foundation for the immersive storytelling that Disney Parks are renowned for today. His hand-drawn Disneyland Fun Maps have become collector’s items, and his contributions to attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion continue to captivate audiences worldwide. This centennial event serves not only as a celebration of McKim’s life and work but also as a tribute to the lasting influence of Imagineers in bringing Walt Disney’s dreams to life.
 
Event Details: