Animationland is coming to Washington, DC, and it promises to be an unforgettable experience for children and families. From January 18 to May 11, 2025, this interactive exhibit, created by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), invites visitors to discover the art and science of storytelling through the magical world of animation. Whether you’re building a storyboard, exploring sound effects, or experimenting with stop-motion, Animationland offers something for everyone to spark their imagination.
Discover Your Story with Tracey the Pencil Dog
At the heart of Animationland is Tracey the pencil dog, a fun and lovable character who guides visitors through an immersive storytelling adventure. Tracey and her quirky crew show young learners, ages 6 to 12, how to unlock their creativity and develop their own animated stories. Animationland bridges science and imagination, offering hands-on opportunities to explore the fundamentals of animation.
Locally supported by the District of Columbia Executive Office of the Mayor and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, this exhibit provides families in the area with a memorable and educational way to spend their days together.
Interactive Experiences at Animationland
Animationland offers a variety of engaging exhibit zones to help budding storytellers bring their visions to life. Each area is designed to introduce a specific element of animation in a fun and interactive way. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find during your visit:
- Turtleback Island
Learn about storyboarding while drawing characters on transparent light tables at Tracey’s Studio. Kids can develop their ideas and structure their own unique animated tales.
- Prickle Desert
Step into the world of early motion pictures with a Mutoscope, a fascinating device that brings animations to life. Experiment with frame rates and see how movement is created.
- Comfort Peaks
Lights, camera, action! Create your own stop-motion animations using a wide variety of props and creatively designed backdrops.
- Blub-Glub Village
Collaborate with others in full-body stop-motion animations by navigating a gridded floor plan for imaginative image-capturing. It’s a fun and creative team activity!
- Forgotten Forest
Explore the magic of sound with a Foley studio. Record sound effects using props and discover how professional animators create audio tracks for their characters.
- Strike a Pose
Don’t miss the chance to make memories! Pose for pictures with the exhibit’s colorful and quirky characters who bring Animationland to life.
Where to Find Animationland
The exhibit is located on the first floor of the Museum in the Visiting Exhibit Hall, right next to Tinkerers Studio and Creative Corner. The exhibit hall is home to some of the world’s best traveling exhibits, ensuring there’s always something new and engaging for young learners.
Be sure to visit before May 11, 2025, to experience this one-of-a-kind interactive exhibit. Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so don’t miss your chance to explore Animationland and discover how animation combines creativity, science, and storytelling.
Plan Your Visit Today
Animationland is the perfect opportunity for kids to channel their creativity while having fun and learning new skills. Whether you’re drawing storyboards, exploring sound effects, or creating stop-motion scenes, every corner of this exhibit offers a new adventure.
Don’t wait! Book your tickets now and immerse yourself in the world of Animationland. Together, you and your family will create stories, explore ideas, and leave with memories that last a lifetime. Who knows? Your little one may even discover a love for animation that inspires their future endeavors.
Head to the Visiting Exhibit Hall starting January 18, and experience the magic for yourself. We can’t wait to see the stories you create!
Expolore more: https://nationalchildrensmuseum.org/explore/exhibits/animationland/
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