After 58 Years, ”it’s a small world” Is Leaving Disneyland

“it’s a small world,” which has been a cornerstone of Fantasyland since its 1966 debut, is beginning a new chapter outside of Disneyland Park.

Starting May 22, 2025, Disney Parks fans can experience pieces of “it’s a small world” history at The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. A new exhibit, “Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic,” will showcase over 150 pieces of artwork and historical photographs, exploring the influential role of Mary Blair in shaping the look and feel of countless Disney films and theme park experiences. This reimagined display is an update to the museum’s previous “Magic, Color, Flair: the world of Mary Blair” exhibit from 2014.

Disney Legend Mary Blair, known for her distinctive watercolor art style, played a pivotal role in designing “it’s a small world” for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. The ride was later relocated to Disneyland Park, where it became one of the most famous attractions in the park and around the world. Blair’s contributions also extended to Disney films such as Peter Pan (1953), Cinderella (1950), Alice in Wonderland (1951), and The Three Caballeros (1944). She also illustrated several children’s books, some of which remain in circulation today.

Along with the artwork, the exhibit will offer guests the chance to engage with augmented reality experiences through their smartphones and participate in hands-on art activities. The exhibit is set to open in the museum’s Lower Lobby and Theater Galleries on May 22, and it will run until September 7, 2025. Admission is free with a museum ticket, which costs $25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors, and $15 for children aged 6-17. A $5 donation is recommended to help support the museum’s ongoing preservation efforts.

The Walt Disney Family Museum, located in the Presidio of San Francisco, is open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the last entry at 4:30 p.m. The museum, founded by Diane Disney Miller, showcases a wide array of artifacts, photographs, and artwork from Walt Disney’s life and work.

Are there any other Disney Legends you’d like to see showcased in a museum exhibit? Share your ideas with Disney Tips in the comments!