For his 90th anniversary, Mickey Mouse isn’t going to Disney World — he’s coming to New York with Mickey: The True Original Exhibition. Disney’s take on the immersive gallery experience will open in New York City this fall in celebration of Walt Disney’s most iconic creation.
Mickey Mouse made his first appearance in the black-and-white short Steamboat Willie on Nov. 18, 1928 and has since grown into one of the most recognizable figures in pop culture. Mickey: The True Original Exhibition will be “an unforgettable journey of Mickey moments reimagined” spanning a massive 16,000 square feet, according to a press release.
The gallery will feature original works by emerging contemporary artists and past icons that explore the global cultural impact of the world’s most famous mouse, including a black light Cosmic Cavern, interactive experiences and a plush toy sculpture.
“To me, Mickey is reminiscent of everything good from my childhood,” according to curator Darren Romanelli, who’s also a designer under the name DRx. “Every inch of the experience — from the artists participating to the different mediums featured to the building layout — was thought through with a level of detail and creativity we could only achieve with Mickey Mouse as our muse.”
Mickey: The True Original Exhibition will open at 60 10th Ave. in Chelsea from Nov. 8, 2018-Feb. 10, 2019. Hours will be Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and tickets are available now for $38.
What else is happening for Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday?
To begin the 90-day countdown to the gallery’s opening, Disney has commissioned a slew of collaborative Mickey swag on sale now. Products include Vault of Vans sneakers and apparel, Sugarfina, Forever 21, Target, Marc Jacobs, and exclusive items available only at Disney stores. Brooklyn’s own Ample Hills, a longtime Disney collaborator, has created three new Mickey and Minnie Mouse-inspired flavors.
Disney theme parks and resorts around the world, plus the Disney Cruise Line, will also celebrate Mickey’s 90th birthday with various special events starting Sept. 15 at Shanghai Disney Resort, and continuing into 2019.
