Exhibition - Disney100: A Dazzling, Immersive Celebration of a Century of Magic in Paris

By Mulder, Paris, Porte de Versailles, Pavillon 2.1, 15 april 2025

As soon as you step into Pavilion 2.1 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, the magic begins to weave its spell. From the very first moment, you’re enveloped in a dreamlike atmosphere — iconic Disney melodies float through the air, and stardust rains down from the ceiling, setting the tone for a journey that is both emotional and sensory. Disney100: The Exhibition isn’t just another retrospective; it’s an immersive, time-traveling experience into the heart of one of the most beloved cultural legacies in the world. Organized by the Walt Disney Archives to celebrate the centennial of the Walt Disney Company, the exhibit brings together over 250 original artifacts, spanning from the birth of animation to the modern cinematic giants of Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. And with its stop in Paris — after enchanting audiences in Seoul, Munich, and London — the exhibition invites French visitors to reconnect with the stories, characters, and music that have shaped their lives.

From the very beginning, the exhibition captures something rare and powerful: emotion fused with history. The layout of the experience is methodically crafted into nine distinct immersive galleries, each one more poetic and captivating than the last. Every space is designed not just to display historical objects, but to activate memory, nostalgia, and joy. You move fluidly from original production sketches to legendary costumes, from magical props to cutting-edge digital interactives. Among the many treasures are the compass used by Jack Sparrow, the red gown worn by Cruella, Iron Man’s unmistakable mask, and even the first computer used by Pixar in 1988. These aren’t just objects — they are portals to films that defined generations. The experience feels less like walking through a museum and more like being inside the living memory of Disney’s evolving universe.

One of the most emotional highlights of the exhibition is the section dedicated to the origins of the Disney empire. Here, the story begins with Walt Disney arriving in Hollywood on October 16, 1923, joining his brother Roy to sign a contract that would launch the Alice Comedies. That original document, proudly displayed on the wall, represents the genesis of what would become the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, later known as The Walt Disney Company. Visitors then meet Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, the company’s first breakthrough character, and trace the circumstances that led to the birth of Mickey Mouse — that timeless symbol of optimism and imagination. Walt himself described Mickey as a little guy trying his best, evoking a spirit of resilience that still defines Disney storytelling today. This gallery, filled with archival footage, rare drawings, and historical narratives, reminds us that Disney’s legacy was built not just on fantasy, but also on innovation, risk-taking, and vision.

Further into the exhibition, you discover just how deeply technological advancement and artistic ambition have shaped Disney’s growth. One of the most fascinating artifacts is a working 1/8-scale model of the multiplane camera, a revolutionary invention that enabled more dynamic, layered storytelling and made films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs possible. In another room, a wall of figurines charts the evolution from physical model-making to motion capture, showcasing how real actors’ movements began to inform digital animation. It’s a tangible reflection of how Disney has always stayed one step ahead of the curve — not content to rest on its laurels, but constantly seeking to reinvent the magic for new audiences and technologies.

Yet amid all this innovation, one theme remains strikingly consistent: music. And the gallery dedicated to sound and song is, frankly, breathtaking. Through archival footage, instrument exhibits, and rich soundscapes, we learn about Jimmy MacDonald — the legendary sound engineer who turned everyday objects into unforgettable effects — and we witness firsthand how integral music has always been to Disney’s narrative power. Walt Disney himself once said, I can’t imagine the picture without the music to go with it, and this sentiment resonates deeply as you stroll past musical scores and lyric sheets of beloved classics like The Lion King, Frozen, and The Jungle Book. With headphones provided, you can lose yourself in an exclusive playlist — from the joy of Hakuna Matata to the emotional swell of Let It Go. Here, it becomes overwhelmingly clear that Disney music doesn’t just accompany stories — it carries them straight to the heart.

What truly elevates this exhibition is its extraordinary ability to blend childlike wonder with adult reflection. It’s not merely a walk down memory lane — it’s a celebration of how these stories have matured with us. The gallery focused on the ocean-based adventures of Moana, Lilo & Stitch, and Pirates of the Caribbean features not only authentic props, but also carefully curated sound design that mimics the rhythm of waves, immersing you fully into these watery worlds. Elsewhere, touchscreen interactives allow younger visitors to participate in Disney trivia, discover hidden character facts, or engage in small games sprinkled throughout the rooms. The most modern innovations — including real-time motion capture and displays on audio-animatronic technology — reveal how Disney’s storytelling remains rooted in emotional connection, even in the age of digital spectacle.

The exhibition's final crescendo is the gallery devoted to Disney’s theme parks, featuring ride vehicles and set pieces that will instantly trigger childhood memories: the Mad Tea Party spinning cup, a gondola from Peter Pan’s Flight, and even a bobsled from Matterhorn Bobsleds. A miniature version of the iconic Disney castle — the one that opens each movie with shimmering elegance — sits at the center of this room, a quiet but majestic symbol of everything Disney represents. Beyond the cinematic and technological legacy, this section reminds us that Disney's true innovation lies in creating worlds you can step into, places where stories live not on screens but in space and time, surrounded by laughter and song.

The exhibition also pays tribute to Disney’s ventures into live theater and streaming media. From the early days of Beauty and the Beast on Broadway to The Lion King still running in 2025 at Théâtre Mogador in Paris, Disney’s musical legacy continues to thrive. And of course, Disney+, launched in 2019, is given its due as the latest milestone in a century-long journey of evolving formats and boundless storytelling. These final sections offer not just a look back, but a look forward — showing that even after a hundred years, the Disney universe remains as vibrant and expansive as ever.

All in all, Disney100: The Exhibition is an unforgettable tribute to the magic of storytelling. Yes, the ticket price may seem high — ranging from €19.90 for children to €28.90 for adults — but the emotional and cultural value of this experience is worth every cent. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a curious newcomer, or a parent sharing the Disney legacy with the next generation, the exhibition delivers a poignant, joyful, and immersive encounter with the stories that have shaped hearts across the globe. Walking out, one can’t help but feel a sense of awe — not just at what Disney has created, but at how deeply it has become a part of who we are. And as Walt Disney once said, Remember, it all started with a mouse. But walking through this extraordinary exhibition, you realize — it also started with a dream. And for millions, it continues to inspire new ones.

Practical information
When : From April 10, 2025 to October 5, 2025
Where : Paris Expo - Porte de Versailles 1 Place de la Porte de Versailles 75015 Paris 15
Official website : https://disney100exhibit.com/paris/?cb=1744753697165
Booking : tickets.disney100exposition.fr

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville