Pixar: 25 Years of Animation

The brand new Art Ludique Museum is located in the “Docks Fashion and Design Centre” on the banks of the Seine in the 13th arrondissement. Its inuagural exhibition, marking 25 years of the animation studio Pixar, is the perfect outing to share across the generations.

The exhibition reveals how familiar characters from such films as Finding Nemo, Cars, and Ratatouille were born. It’s fun to discover how Woody the cowboy from the Toy Story movies got his winsome looks. It also explores the serious business of sketches, 3D models and original artwork, and their very grown-up use of pastels, gouache and charcoal.

An interactive video table provides short clips of behind-the-scenes secrets, and the Artscapes theatre shows a dreamlike video installation made with a conceptual blend of animation and original artwork. There is a little side room with a vintage attraction based on eye-popping technology from the 1830s- don’t leave the exhibition without seeing the Zoetrope. Whatever your age, Pixar certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Tip: This is a very popular exhibition which draws huge crowds. Buy your e-ticket online to minimize your waiting time at the entrance.

Musée Art Ludique, Cité de la Mode et du Design, 34 Quai d’Austerlitz, Paris 75013. Daily until March 2, 2014. Hours: Weekdays: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Late night opening Fridays until 10 p.m.) Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Admission: 14€