Exciting news for Disney Parks fans! Another piece of “it’s a small world” history will soon be on display in California, as The Walt Disney Family Museum reveals its latest exhibit featuring the beloved attraction.
Starting May 22, 2025, the San Francisco museum will host “Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic,” showcasing over 150 artworks and historical photographs highlighting the Disney Legend’s pivotal role in creating the colorful, iconic style fans associate with many Disney films and theme park experiences.
The exhibit is a reimagining of the 2014 exhibit “Magic, Color, Flair: the world of Mary Blair,” and it promises to offer an even deeper dive into her creative contributions. Guests will get the chance to experience not only her stunning art but also hands-on activities and augmented reality experiences via their smartphones. As one of Walt Disney’s most influential designers and art directors, Mary Blair’s work continues to resonate in the Disney parks, particularly her involvement in creating the original “it’s a small world” attraction.
Blair’s watercolor style became instantly recognizable in the many films she contributed to, including The Three Caballeros (1944), Peter Pan (1953), Alice in Wonderland (1951), and Cinderella (1950). However, she is perhaps most famously known for contributing to “it’s a small world,” which debuted at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair before being relocated to Disneyland Park’s Fantasyland. She also had a hand in creating murals and facades throughout Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, such as the iconic murals in Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s Grand Canyon Concourse.
The Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic exhibit will open in The Walt Disney Family Museum’s Lower Lobby and Theater Galleries on May 22, 2025. Admission to this special exhibit is free with a regular museum ticket ($25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors, and $15 for children aged 6-17). However, a $5 donation is encouraged to support the museum’s programming. The exhibit will run until September 7, 2025.
Located in San Francisco’s Presidio, The Walt Disney Family Museum is a treasure trove of Disney history. It showcases a wide range of artifacts, photographs, and artwork from Walt Disney’s life and career. The museum, founded by Diane Disney Miller, is open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the last entry at 4:30 p.m.
Which of Mary Blair’s many projects is your favorite? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
