UMKC is a proud sponsor of the Disney 100 exhibit in Kansas City.
Now at the Bank of America Gallery in Union Station, the Disney 100 exhibit features more than 250 artifacts including works of art, costumes, props and other memorabilia from the historic vault of the Walt Disney Archives.
Kansas City and UMKC have a storied history with Walt Disney and his media empire. Perhaps most well-known, Disney is known to be the first illustrator of KC Roo, the university mascot. To celebrate this shared history, a special gallery is included exclusively for the Kansas City run of the exhibit to celebrate the connections.
“I’m not aware of any other college that can claim the most famous animator in the world drew their mascot. UMKC is singular in that respect.” said George Guastello (B.B.A. ’82, MBA ’84). “As a proud Kansas Citian and UMKC alumnus, it’s a thrill to have a special section, Union Station’s Hometown Connections Gallery, that honors Disney’s deep roots here in our community.”
In addition to the Kansas City gallery, Union Station, UMKC and Missouri Humanities Council have teamed up to present special programming for Disney fans to hear from the voice of Goofy and Pluto, learn about the experience of animators and discover a deeper understanding of Disney’s life and experiences in Kansas City and Missouri.
Join us for UMKC Day at Disney 100 on June 29 and Oct. 19 for special UMKC presentations that are free after admission purchase.
UMKC professor David Trowbridge, Ph.D., will present Walt Disney’s Kansas City, a presentation and Q&A on Disney’s childhood and early career. Tickets are free on the Union Station website.
There is also a special maker activity with staff from the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Participants will explore the different versions of the UMKC mascot, including the one illustrated by Disney and sew their own stuffed kangaroo. Tickets are free on the Union Station website.
Emmy-winning alumnus Douglas Enderle (M.F.A. ’81) will present The Roo Behind the Magic about his career after UMKC. Note: Enderle is only presenting Oct. 19. Tickets are free on the Union Station website.
The exhibit is open until November 2024.