History Alive: Animation & Art in Florida

Next date: Saturday, January 03, 2026 | 12:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Did you know that Central Florida was once considered “Hollywood East,” a hub for film and animation in the eastern United States? Disney Animation Studios and Universal Studios created movie magic right here. (Be sure to visit our upcoming exhibition, Animationland, opening January 17, to explore even more about animation in Central Florida.)

At this History Alive event, step into the colorful world of Florida art, imagination, and moviemaking magic as you tour the museum and enjoy themed activities, including:

Tiny Movie Magic – Fans of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline, or Fantastic Mr. Fox will love trying their hand at stop-motion animation. Learn a bit of its history, then direct your own short film.

The Art of the Orange – Citrus crate labels were among the earliest branded art forms in Central Florida, designed to catch the buyer’s eye and showcase the region’s delicious fruit. Create your own citrus label and see examples from our collection, generously donated by Dr. Phillips Charities.

Behind the Frames – In 1939, Walt Disney transformed animation with the invention of the Multiplane Camera, famously used in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to create a three-dimensional effect. Experiment with building your own layered scene using this classic technique.

Guided museum tours: 10:30 a.m., Noon, 1:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

When

Location

Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801, Orlando 32801  View Map

28.5375795,-81.3768888

65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801 , Orlando 32801

Orange County Regional History Center

65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801 , Orlando 32801

History Alive: Animation & Art in Florida