10th Anniversary Celebration

On October 1, 2019, The Walt Disney Family Museum will turn ten—and we are celebrating all year long. Join us for special events, programs, blog posts, and podcast episodes that honor the museum's first decade as an institution.

Enjoy this special 10th Anniversary-themed animation our Studio Team created (to the left) as an ode to our museum. Please read more about our celebration below.

Celebrate 10 Years of Magic with Us

Walt's Legacy. Your Museum.

I always thought it would be a good museum,

but it’s much better than a good museum—it’s a great museum. 

Diane Disney Miller
Museum Co-founder & Walt's Daughter

Looking Back on the Museum's Origins

Blog Post Excerpt

For over a decade, Diane Disney Miller, Walt's daughter, considered how best to memorialize her father’s life story. Many people in her life suggested she write a book, but Diane finally decided that a museum would be the most fitting way to tell her father’s story. She felt that an interactive, innovative space—as opposed to a book—seemed more appropriate for her father, who was both an entertainer and an innovator.  

Though the museum has welcomed visitors since October 1, 2009, one of the questions we’re asked most frequently by guests remains: “Why is the museum here?” Why San Francisco and not one of the cities one thinks of when hearing the name “Disney,” like Burbank or Anaheim? 

Often, visitors wonder if Walt had a personal connection to San Francisco. Though he did visit a few times, and though there are threads of Walt’s story that intersect with the Bay Area, The Walt Disney Family Museum isn’t here because of Walt—it’s here, primarily, because of his daughter, Diane Disney Miller, the museum’s co-founder. She and her husband Ron Miller moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid-1980s. They even founded Silverado Winery, just north of Napa, on land Lillian Disney, Walt’s wife, had purchased.

For over a decade, Diane considered how best to memorialize her father’s life story. Many people in her life suggested she write a book, but Diane finally decided that a museum would be the most fitting way to tell her father’s story. She felt that an interactive, innovative space—as opposed to a book—seemed more appropriate for her father, who was both an entertainer and an innovator. 

Celebrate Our Museum, One Gallery at a Time

Starting in February, we will celebrate one of our galleries each month. Much like a timeline, the galleries move chronologically through the story of Walt's living, beginning in 1901 and ending in 1966. Though special programming will spotlight each month's theme, weekly podcast episodes and blog posts will take a deeper look at the content, stories, and artifacts that fill our the galleries. As a special bonus, we'll also feature 10th Anniversary-themed merchandise on our webstore, so check back each month to explore our latest additions! 

WDFM | The Official Podcast

Located in the historic Presidio of San Francisco, California, The Walt Disney Family Museum is a center for art, animation, and inspiration. Since October 1, 2009, our nonprofit museum has celebrated the remarkable life and legacy of Walt Disney, thanks in large part to Walt's daughter, Diane Disney Miller, who wanted to share her father's story with the world. Now, in recognition of the museum's tenth anniversary, this podcast will do its part to honor the man behind the magic. 

10th Anniversary Pin Sales to Benefit Scholarship Fund

In the spirit of Walt’s desire to provide those around him with educational opportunities, we are proud to offer a myriad of classes and workshops; each studio class introduces first-time students to new art forms, and offers continuing students the opportunity to hone their crafts. Join us in supporting a new generation of artists by purchasing a pin today

The Blog

10th Anniversary-Themed Posts

Starting in February, we will celebrate one of our galleries each month. Much like a timeline, the galleries move chronologically through the story of Walt's living, beginning in 1901 and ending in 1966. While special programs and weekly podcast episodes will reiterate each month's theme, blog posts will take a deeper look at the content in the galleries. Check back throughout the month!