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Disneyland themed architecture showcasing its art history

Disneyland
Art History

Everyone needs a serious hobby.

Putting my art historian sleuthing skills to work at the happiest place on Earth, searching for all the hidden art and architectural references and models for Disneyland Imagineers.

Book Series

Each book focuses on a different themed land.

The first book is dropping in 2027!

icon for book 1 of the Disneyland art history book series about New Orleans Square

icon for book 2 of the Disneyland art history book series

icon for book 3 of the Disneyland art history book series about Frontierland

Read about Art History
at Disneyland and Disneyland California Adventure

A majestic castle with blue spires set against a bright blue sky. Crowds gather below, adding to the lively and enchanting atmosphere.

A majestic castle with blue spires set against a bright blue sky. Crowds gather below, adding to the lively and enchanting atmosphere.

The Real Places Behind Disney's Castles and Palaces

We Take What We Fancy: How Disneyland Pirates the Global Middle Ages and Renaissance—A Talk!

We Take What We Fancy: How Disneyland Pirates the Global Middle Ages and Renaissance—A Talk!

We Take What We Fancy: How Disneyland Pirates the Global Middle Ages and Renaissance—A Talk!

Ghosts are within framed portraits

Ghosts are within framed portraits

The History of Spirit Photography and Disneyland's Haunted Mansion

Mickey and Minnie picnic on a hill inside a ride

Mickey and Minnie picnic on a hill inside a ride

Why Art History Makes Disneyland More Magical

a pirate in a red overcoat looks at us from a boat

a pirate in a red overcoat looks at us from a boat

5 Surprising Facts About Disneyland’s Art You Didn’t Know

Howard Pyle's Book of Pirates

Howard Pyle's Book of Pirates

How Howard Pyle Shaped the Iconic Look of Pirates (Including at Disneyland!)

A red-headed pirate dressed in a red dress participates in an auction of chickens

A red-headed pirate dressed in a red dress participates in an auction of chickens

The Real-Life Pirates Who Inspired Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean and the Character Redd

Aztec Gold, the "Calendar Stone," and Pirates of the Caribbean: Fact vs. Fiction

Aztec Gold, the "Calendar Stone," and Pirates of the Caribbean: Fact vs. Fiction

Aztec Gold, the "Calendar Stone," and Pirates of the Caribbean: Fact vs. Fiction

Walking Through Trees, Real and Imagined: Redwoods National and State Parks and Disney California Adventure

Walking Through Trees, Real and Imagined: Redwoods National and State Parks and Disney California Adventure

Walking Through Trees, Real and Imagined: Redwoods National and State Parks and Disney California Adventure

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway and Vincent van Gogh's post-impressionist paintings

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway and Vincent van Gogh's post-impressionist paintings

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway and Vincent van Gogh's post-impressionist paintings

Fulfilling a lifelong dream writing about art history at Disneyland—and beyond!

Fulfilling a lifelong dream writing about art history at Disneyland—and beyond!

Fulfilling a lifelong dream writing about art history at Disneyland—and beyond!

"it's a small world" and a nod to an important Irish icon

"it's a small world" and a nod to an important Irish icon

"it's a small world" and a nod to an important Irish icon

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and Blue Boy—one of the most famous paintings in the world!

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and Blue Boy—one of the most famous paintings in the world!

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and Blue Boy—one of the most famous paintings in the world!

The Haunted Mansion and Greek Revival Architecture

The Haunted Mansion and Greek Revival Architecture

The Haunted Mansion and Greek Revival Architecture

A small castle is set amidst plants on Disneyland's storybook land canals

A small castle is set amidst plants on Disneyland's storybook land canals

Prince Eric's palace and the Château de Chillon in Switzerland

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and an adventure into art history

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and an adventure into art history

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and an adventure into art history

Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland and how it relates to art history

Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland and how it relates to art history

Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland and how it relates to art history

New series about Disney animation and Pixar films and art history!

New series about Disney animation and Pixar films and art history!

New series about Disney animation and Pixar films and art history!

Pirates of the Caribbean, the Redheaded Pirate, and the Reclining Nude in Art

Pirates of the Caribbean, the Redheaded Pirate, and the Reclining Nude in Art

Pirates of the Caribbean, the Redheaded Pirate, and the Reclining Nude in Art

Why I Became a Disneyland Art Historian

Why I Became a Disneyland Art Historian

Why I Became a Disneyland Art Historian

Learn more about Disney Art History!

Walt Disney World

Disney/Pixar movies

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