The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco’s Presidio opens to the public on October 1, 2009. Three historical buildings, formerly barracks, a gymnasium and a storage facility, have been renovated to become 77,000 square feet in which to tell Walt Disney’s story — about his life, his career and America coming of age. Mr. Disney brought the world he dreamed of to life. The Walt Disney Family Museum, in the hands of Richard Benefield, its founding executive director, aims through unique programming and teaching using traditional methods and new technology, to enlighten visitors about Disney’s innovations and their impact on American and world culture.
The Walt Disney Family Museum is co-founded by Diane Disney Miller, Walt Disney’s daughter, and grandson Walter E. D. Miller. Mrs. Miller and her husband Ronald W. Miller own the Silverado Vineyards in Napa Valley. The couple has seven children and 13 grandchildren.
In October museum-goers can enjoy Fantasia screenings starring Mickey Mouse three times each day in the museum’s theater, and HallowScreen!, spooky cartoons for families on October 30 – 31. Another opening month highlight is a concert by the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall featuring classical works from Fantasia, Pinocchio and Mary Poppins. Museum memberships, tickets and admission reservations are available online at http://disney.go.com/disneyatoz/familymuseum/index.html.
