American Animation: Art on Screen

Thursday, June 4, 2026 - Sunday, June 7, 2026 

Disney classics are back in the Giant Screen Theater!

American Animation: Art on Screen brings to life decades of Disney, with special activities that are fun for the whole family! Experience classic Disney films, shorts, and documentaries on the Peoria Riverfront Museum's Giant Screen Theater, the largest Film Society screen in America. 

Renowned Disney author and historian J.B. Kaufman will join us for fascinating pre-film talks and post-film Q&As as well as book signings after select films. Mr. Kaufman is a film historian and author who specializes in Disney animation history and silent films. His books include The Fairest One of All, Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic, and Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse. 

New this year!

Introducing Marcy Carricker Smothers and the Walt Disney Hometown Museum of Marceline, MO. 

Marcy Carricker Smothers is a foodie, a lover of all things Disney, and an author of several books on the happiest place on earth, including Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food and Walt's Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney.

The Walt Disney Hometown Museum was established in 2001 to help celebrate the 100th Birthday of Marceline’s favorite son, Walter Elias Disney. The original museum was built on the personal collection of Ruth Disney Beecher, Walt’s sister. Ruth maintained a close relationship with her brothers Walt and Roy, and knew the admiration they all shared toward their hometown.

For the full schedule of Disney Films, click HERE.

Programming Schedule:

Thursday, June 4, 2026 

• 5:45 p.m. - Book Signing with Marcy Carricker Smothers
  Join us for a book signing with Marcy Carricker Smothers, author of Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food and Walt's Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney. To celebrate Walt's birthday, cupcakes will be available as supplies last. 
           
• 6:30 p.m. - Walt: The Man Behind the Myth, introduced by Marcy Carricker Smothers
  50 Achievement Passport Points | Get tickets HERE
  See the 2001 biographical documentary film on the life of Walt Disney, narrated by Dick Van Dyke, on the largest Film Society Screen in the nation. 

Friday, June 5, 2026 

• 5:30 p.m.- Book signing with J.B. Kaufman
  Join us for a book signing with author and Disney historian J.B. Kaufman, whose works include: Worlds to Conquer: The Art and Making of Walt Disney's Fantasia, The Fairest One of All and Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse: The Ultimate History.
  
6:30 p.m. - Movie and a short: Steamboat Willie and Fantasia 50 Achievement Passport Points | Get tickets HERE
See Fantasia as you've never seen it before, on the largest film society screen in the nation. Preceded by the short that started it all, Steamboat Willie, and introduced by J.B. Kaufman, this is a can't-miss for Disney fans!