September 1955 – September 1966
LOCATION
Tomorrowland – Guests looking for the art corner could find this walkthrough exhibit and gift shop on the right hand side of the main path, next to Hobbyland.
BACKGROUND
In the early years of Disneyland’s operation, Disney really wanted to incorporate the magic of animation into the park. At first, the Art Corner was a small tent located at the end of Main Street USA, but the little shop became a walkthrough attraction as well when it found a permanent home in Tomorrowland a few months later. Despite its Parisian theme, the Art Corner quickly became one of the most popular destinations in Tomorrowland, and remained a fan favorite until its closure in 1966.
EXPERIENCE
The Art Corner was a largely open space, with a series of wall displays and art supplies and kits for sale. Along the back wall of the Art Corner was its walkthrough exhibit, where real animators sat at desks and sketched characters, landscapes, and Disneyland icons in full view of the public. Guests could also view or purchase original celluloid drawings, used in the animation of many classic Disney films. Today, the Art Corner is credited with saving many priceless cells, and the attraction kept the spirit of animation alive and well inside the park for over a decade.
CLOSURE
Despite its popularity and long life in the park, the Art Corner never truly fit in with Tomorrowland. So when the land began its first of many transformations and upgrades to stay relevant and futuristic, the Corner closed its doors to make room for new attractions.
TRIVIA
The celluloid drawings sold at the Art Corner were not duplications, but the actual cells used in Walt Disney animated pictures.
Today, the Art Corner’s legacy lives on, with Disney parks and many Disney stores selling artwork based on animated movies and iconic characters.
