Sam McKim Centennial Celebration

The Sam McKim Centennial

Celebrating a brilliant artist, a respected gentleman, and Disney Legend

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Sam McKim?

The late Sam McKim is best known for his work as an Imagineer and was inducted as a Disney Legend (a distinguished honor created by the Walt Disney Company) in 1996. He contributed to many Disney Park projects including Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the highly sought after Disneyland poster-sized Fun Map souvenir. He had an extraordinary life as an artist. From his first career as a child actor to working as a sketch artist for 20th Century Fox, then finding his way to the Walt Disney Studios to create drawings for a theme park that Walt Disney was dreaming up. Sam was an integral part of the first generation of Imagineers who helped create and build Disneyland.

For more information on Disney Legend Sam McKim, click the link below (or paste in your browser) to see a brief biography from the Walt Disney Company:

https://d23.com/walt-disney-legend/sam-mckim/

What is the Sam McKim Centennial?

The Sam McKim Centennial is a celebration of this well-respected artist and Disney Legend. This year marks what would have been his 100th birthday.

This celebration event will feature a presentation from family members of Sam McKim and distinguished guest speakers (some who knew and worked with him closely during his time with Disney), and a temporary gallery exhibit showcasing Sam’s original artwork, including concepts of a few iconic Disney Park attractions and Walt Disney Production movies. A limited amount of pre-sale merchandise will also be available for this event.

The Sam McKim Centennial will consist of two separate events on two different dates. Each presentation will last approximately 2.5 hours and includes viewing time of the temporary gallery exhibit. The first event will be held on November 10, 2025, at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, CA. The second event is planned for December (a date and location will be announced later). Tickets prices for admission will be announced soon.

Why are you celebrating Sam McKim this year?

The Sam McKim Centennial is a celebration of what would have been Disney Legend
Sam McKim’s 100th birthday, December 20, 2024. This special event will serve to inspire a new generation of artists, designers and would-be Imagineers of Sam’s creativity- a legacy continued by his family.

This occasion will also be a “thank you” to the community of Disney fans, theme park aficionados, and guests who have enjoyed the work of Sam McKim in Disney parks throughout the years.

Is the Sam McKim Centennial free?

The Sam McKim Centennial will require the purchase of a ticket for each event presentation.

Where can I buy tickets for the Sam McKim Centennial?

Tickets will be sold on-line, only (more information coming soon for the Gala Event in December). Tickets will not be available to purchase day-of at the event.

What are the ticket prices for this event?

General admission tickets are available for $100 each, which includes a PreShow of original artwork, photos, artifacts and film clips from Sam's Hollywood days, and an hour and a half presentation of Sam's life including a panel of distinguished Disney guests. After the presentation, you will be able to purchase Sam McKim artwork on merchandise.

VIP tickets are available for $200 each, which includes early entry into the PreShow of original artwork, photos, artifacts and film clips from Sam's Hollywood days. Front row seating and special meet and greet with guest speakers and family members. VIP tickets also allow for"first in line" for the merchandise, and includes a special gift. 

** if Handicapped "seating" is required, please specify with a note to us. There are 6 Handicapped spaces for wheelchair or scooter for each presentation. **

Will the event be free for children?

Children ages 3 years and older will need to have a ticket purchased for the Sam McKim Centennial. Prices will be the same for children and adults.

Is the Sam McKim Centennial sponsored by the Walt Disney Company?

The Sam McKim Centennial is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or related businesses (e.g. The Disneyland Resort, D23, or Imagineering). This special celebration is being produced independently by the Sam McKim family.

Is this a family friendly event? Is the event suitable for children?

The Sam McKim Celebration is a family friendly event. It is produced independently by the Sam McKim family and is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company.

This unique celebration will include a of panel of Sam McKim’s family members and distinguished guest speakers. The presentation is a talk; it will be a discussion and lecture format that highlights historical information, stories, and anecdotes, along with audio/visual elements, as related to the life of Disney artist Sam McKim and his creative process. In addition, a temporary gallery exhibit featuring original artwork and concept drawings by Sam, including unique artifacts (many items related to Disney theme park history) will be on display.

Is there a gallery exhibit for Sam McKim’s artwork that I can visit? Can I just view the artwork and not attend the presentation talk?
A paid admission ticket to this special event is a package that includes entry to the temporary Sam McKim gallery exhibit and to the theater presentation of guest speakers.

The Sam McKim gallery is a temporary exhibit created exclusively with the presentation of guest speakers. It will not be available for the general public to view, nor can a ticket be purchased separately.

Will I be able to meet Disney Legends or Imagineers at this event?

Many of Sam McKim’s friends and colleagues were Disney artists and Imagineers. The Sam McKim family has graciously invited many of these long-time, close friends to attend or speak at this celebration.

Appearances of invited Disney guests, speakers, or other notable attendees are not guaranteed.  Any interactions or meetings with any special invited guest by the Sam McKim family will be at the discretion of each individual.

Will there be merchandise or collectibles to buy at the event?

A limited amount of Sam McKim Centennial merchandise will be available at the event. There will be a pop-up store available to shop during the Bowers Museum event.

Where do I park?

The parking lot to the North (to the right, looking at the front of the museum) is paid parking, except after 3pm. There is a South parking lot to the (to the left, looking at the front of the museum) at 20th and Main St. (Bell Tower). You can ignore the QR code sign and park for free.