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Museums #27 in San Francisco

The Walt Disney Family Museum

4.6 · 4,138 reviews
Reflective and detail-oriented
The Walt Disney Family Museum, 104 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
Interesting facts
1

The museum is housed in Building 104, a former U.S. Army barracks originally constructed in 1897.

2

The collection includes the original Disneyland model, measuring 14 feet in diameter.

3

Visitors can view the original Multiplane Camera used for groundbreaking depth-of-field effects in early animated features.

4

The galleries display over 200 awards that Walt Disney received during his career.

5

The museum was founded by Diane Disney Miller, Walt Disney’s eldest daughter.

6

It contains the complete audio recordings from the 'Disney Team' discussions held in the mid-1960s.

Overview

The Walt Disney Family Museum is located in the Presidio of San Francisco and chronicles the life, work, and legacy of Walt Disney. Housed within historic brick barracks, the museum features contemporary galleries showcasing thousands of artifacts, including early drawings, animation cells, and interactive exhibits. A standout feature is the massive, highly detailed model of Disneyland as Walt originally envisioned it. Visitors explore the founder's early childhood in Missouri, his arrival in California, and the creation of Mickey Mouse. The collection includes Academy Awards, including the unique Oscar for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It offers a chronological perspective on the evolution of film production and the company’s history. The museum is a non-profit organization operated by the Walt Disney Family Foundation.

Photo spot

The large windows in the museum lobby offering views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Insider tips

Check the museum's website for rotating special exhibitions before your visit.

Take advantage of the museum's location for a walk through the surrounding Presidio park trails after your visit.

The museum cafe offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge, making it an ideal spot for a break.

What to avoid

Do not rush through the early galleries, as the chronological narrative is tightly connected to the later, more visually striking exhibits.

Good to know

Closed on Tuesdays.

Etiquette

No flash photography in gallery spaces; maintain a quiet volume to respect other visitors.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and the Presidio's peak afternoon tourist traffic.
Address
The Walt Disney Family Museum, 104 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
37.801, -122.459
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsDisneyland model, Multiplane Camera, Snow White Academy Award

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and the Presidio's peak afternoon tourist traffic..

The large windows in the museum lobby offering views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Close by you'll find Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, PIER 39.