Get Drawn Into “The Animation Academy: From Pencils to Pixels” at The Durham Museum
Cartoons have sparked our imaginations for over a century. This summer, peek behind the curtains of your favorite Saturday morning cartoons and CGI blockbusters to see how animation and storytelling come to life at Animation Academy: From Pencils to Pixels. Guests will discover the magic from animation’s greatest pioneers, like the creators of Steamboat Willie, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo and Wallace & Gromit. Through interactive hands-on activities the exhibit offers a rare glimpse into how iconic characters and technologies shaped the art form.
Visitors will make their own stop-motion shorts, create storyboards and learn to draw their favorite characters. Step into the sets of animated classics for photo ops with stars like Gumby and Pokey, Po from Kung Fu Panda and the famous living room from The Simpsons. Watch mesmerizing illusions in the world’s largest zoetrope, and Inspire the next generation of artists and storytellers with examples from local professionals currently working in comics, cartoons and film.
“This exhibit is a must-see for animation fans of all ages,” says Scott Eastman with The Durham Museum. “Whether you grew up with Looney Tunes or fell in love with Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon, The Animation Academy invites everyone to step inside the colorful, creative world behind the screen.”
Real animation cels, artist sketches and notes offer a true insider’s experience, making this a perfect blend of nostalgia, education and hands-on fun. The exhibit features the work of major studios Aardman, DreamWorks and more.
The Exhibition is even more exciting on Wednesdays and Saturdays with additional activities like; drawing lessons, guided tours, animated crafts, cartoon trivia and story time for our youngest guests.
The Animation Academy: From Pencils to Pixels® runs through August 31, 2025. Exhibit admission is free for museum members and children ages 2 and under. Non-member admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and military/veterans and $8 for children ages 3-12 (taxes not included). The Durham Museum is open on Mondays during the summer and later, until 8PM, on Tuesdays. For full museum hours, visit DurhamMuseum.org/hours.
The Animation Academy: From Pencils to Pixels® is produced by Stage 9 Exhibits and distributed by Exhibits Development Group. This exhibit is supported locally by the Richard Brooke Foundation; HDR; the Verhalen Family Foundation; and The Durham Society. Media support provided by KETV.
“The Animation Academy” Member-Only Preview
Friday, May 30, 5-8PM
Be the first to experience The Animation Academy early at this exclusive member preview. Sit for a sketch as a talented artist draws a caricature of your family, meet popular children’s cartoon characters and more! To add to the fun, dress as your favorite family-friendly animated character! Be the first to see the exhibit with an enthusiastic crowd!
Spots will fill up fast so reserve yours today at DurhamMuseum.org. This event is for active members only.
“Storytellers: Artists From Our Own Backyard” Exhibition
Daily, May 31 – August 31 The Durham Museum has developed an exhibition featuring artists and storytellers from the Midwest whose work in various media is inspiring dreamers of all generations. Through cartoons, illustrations, mixed media, musical compositions and computer animation, the work of these artists helps a story jump off the page. The display features examples from comic books and children’s books to the big screen, and shows how artists from our own backyard tell stories through their work.
Featured artists include: Bruce Arant, Michael Burton, Caitlin Cass, Trent Claus, Drew Conley, Bob Hall, Timothy James Hantula, Cale Oglesby, Henry Payer and Chip Thompson.
Drop-in Programming – Wednesdays and Saturdays!
Artist Workshops Wednesdays & Saturdays 11AM and Noon
Aspiring creatives, this one’s for you! We’re offering hands-on drawing sessions led by local artists. Follow step-by-step guidance to sketch a beloved animated character, learning insider tips and tricks! Whether you’re a doodler or a budding artist, this is your chance to sharpen your skills and have some fun.
Crafts at The Platform: Wednesdays & Saturdays, 11AM-Noon Build a “wonder-turner” (the earliest animation-device) or homemade 3D glasses. Come play, create and bring animation to life!
Storytime at The Platform: Wednesdays, 11:30AM
We bring a storybook to life through virtual animation! Featured books will rotate weekly. Geared towards toddlers, but all ages are welcome.
Animation Academy Trivia: Saturdays, 10AM-Noon
How well do you know your cartoons? Put your knowledge to the test with animation-themed trivia.
Animation Academy Guided Tours: Saturdays, 1-2PM
Join us for a guided tour where museum staff will walk you through the must-see moments of the exhibit. All ages welcome.
Disney and the World War II Homefront, featuring Smithsonian guest speaker Bethanee Bemis
Thursday, June 5, 5-7:30PM
Explore how one of America’s most iconic brands – Walt Disney Studios – played a role in the country’s victory in World War II. We’ll be joined by Bethanee Bemis, a public historian and museum specialist in the Division of Political and Military History at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, who will discuss how Walt Disney cemented its association with the “American Way” – with a little Disney diplomacy and a whole lot of Mickey Mouse morale.
Presentation at 6:30PM, join us for a social hour starting at 5PM with light hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and access to The Animation Academy exhibit.
This event is open to the public, regular admission applies, free to museum members. Advanced registration is required at DurhamMuseum.org, reservations@DurhamMuseum.org or (402)-444-5071
Digital Threads: Fashion, Film and the Future of Animation, featuring guest speaker Michael Burton
Thursday, July 24, 5-7:30PM
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the art and craft of animation with Micheal Burton, a filmmaker and UNL associate professor of art and digital fashion. Drawing from his past work of bringing historical garments to life on the big screen, Burton will explore a range of animation techniques featured in iconic animated films and discuss how studying those methods lead to the creation of the distinctive Animating History film series. See for yourself the connection between animation and fashion, and what role modern technology (think virtual reality!) is playing in it.
Presentation at 6:30PM, join us for a social hour starting at 5PM with light hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and access to The Animation Academy exhibit.
This event is open to the public, regular admission applies, free to museum members. Advanced registration is required at DurhamMuseum.org, reservations@DurhamMuseum.org or (402)-444-5071
