In a new exhibit opening on January 13, 2024, at the Springfield Museums, you can learn how animated features are created – and try your hand at making them yourself.
Perfect for kids and adults alike, Animationland will be on exhibit from January 13-May 5 in the Springfield Science Museum, and is free with Museum admission. Museums’ members are invited to a complimentary continental breakfast and an hour of early access to Animationland on the opening day of the exhibit; reservations are required. RSVP here.
Developed and produced by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), Animationland empowers visitors of all ages to experiment, learn, and tell stories of their own through animation.
“We’re constantly surrounded by animation — whether it be commercials, entertainment, or information,” says Director of Science Jenny Powers. “Teaching kids how this works includes lots of STEM skills, and we hope to help them see themselves as scientists!”
In Animationland, Tracey the pencil dog and her crew — Rooth, Drop, Inky, Uno, and Kari — invite visitors to join them on a fantastically immersive journey to create stories using science and imagination. Visitors will be encouraged to channel their creativity and develop their own animated production using storyboarding, sketching, stop-motion movie making, and more.
The opening day of the exhibition will feature an array of related hands-on activities across all five Museums, from 10am-5pm.
“We are expanding upon the incredible interactives of Animationland by exploring early animation devices, creating characters, and storytelling!” explains Family Engagement Coordinator Abby Garner.
Animationland: Opening Day Schedule
Zoetropes, 10:30 am-4 pm: Test an early animation invention! Learn how speed and number of frames affects the look of the animation, and try your hand at putting together your own animation sequence. Spark!Lab, 2nd Floor, Springfield Science Museum
Exploring Early Animation, 11 am-3 pm: Test the early animation devices that made your favorite movies and shows possible. African Hall, 1st Floor, Springfield Science Museum
Zine Workshop, 11 am-3 pm: Have a story to share? A character or hero to bring to life? Use your imagination to create a Zine. Science Workshop, 2nd Floor, Springfield Science Museum
Secret Creatures, 11 am-3 pm: Create a creature of your own design with a surprise twist. Discovery Lab, Lower Level, Springfield Science Museum
Marionette Maker, 12-4 pm: Make a marionette and put on a puppet show! Art Discovery Center, 2nd Floor, GWV Smith Art Museum
Animationland is presented in collaboration with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.
About OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI operates the largest museum-based outdoor science education program in the country and provides traveling and community outreach programs that bring science learning opportunities to schools and community organizations in nearly every county in Oregon.
OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu.