The science behind Pixar's magic

New Exhibition: The Science Behind Pixar

Explore Pixar’s magical world of animation in The Science Behind Pixar. Experiment with the filmmakers’ tools and find out how Pixar brings their beloved characters to life.

Most will know the loyal toy cowboy Woody, who will do anything for his owner Andy. Or the overprotective clown fish Marlin, who swims across the ocean to save his son Nemo. It can be a toy, a fish, a car or even a feeling – like in the film Inside Out – Pixar can make them all spring to life before our very eyes.

But how do they do it?

How were the big blockbuster animated films like Toy Story, Inside Out and The Incredibles actually made?

Find out now! Dive into the science behind Pixar’s popular and groundbreaking animated films in our newest exhibition The Science Behind Pixar. Get your tickets here

Take a selfie with the brave Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story – in full “human” size. Or Perhaps one of the other popular Pixar characters, who are also hiding in the exhibition?

First time in Europe

The Science Behind Pixar is produced by Museum of Science in Boston in close cooperation with Pixar Animation Studios. It is the first time the popular exhibition can be seen in Europe, recently finishing a tour of Japan.

The exhibition spreads across 1.250 square meters, promising hours of fun and learning for the whole family.

“At Pixar we use science, technology, engineering, art and math, combined with a significant dash of creativity and fun – and in the interactive exhibition you can explore how it all comes together, when we make our animated films.” – Jim Morris, President, Pixar Animation Studies. 

Take a peek behind the scenes at Pixar

The interactive exhibition takes you all the way from the first sketches to finished animated film – and below the surface, where math, geometry, physics, and advanced animation technologies makes it all possible.

Experiment with the filmmakers’ tools in 65 interactive activities, where you can model, animate, set lights and cameras, and breathe life into some of Pixar’s most beloved universes and characters.

The Science Behind Pixar is divided into eight sections, where you can explore the eight phases in Pixar’s animation process: Modeling, Rigging, Surfaces, Sets and Cameras, Animation, Simulation, Lighting and Rendering.

Pixar are masters in evoking emotions, both on screen and in us, the audience. How many emotions can you express by moving the eyebrows, eyelids, and pupils in the face of Jessie from Toy Story 2?

Fun for everybody

The Science Behind Pixar opens 13 October and closes 10 April 2023.

All activities have instructions and elaborations in both Danish and English – but are generally so intuitive that children of all nationalities will be able to jump right in.

The experience will thrill the whole family, and is especially suited for children aged 8 and up.