Disney-Eaton Legacy Unveiled at Forest Lawn Museum
California's Forest Lawn Museum is set to celebrate two of its most iconic residents on their 60th anniversary of passing. Walt Disney and Forest Lawn founder Hubert Eaton, who both passed away in 1966, shared a deep connection that has inspired a new exhibition called 'California Visionaries: The Lives and Legacies of Walt Disney and Hubert Eaton.'
The exhibit explores the parallels between the two visionaries' personal and creative journeys. Both men started from humble beginnings in Missouri before making their mark on California's cultural landscape.
Disney and Eaton formed a lasting friendship in the 1930s, with Disney even serving as an honorary pallbearer at Eaton's funeral in 1966. The exhibition features a range of artifacts including newly discovered archival photographs, sculptures, and sheet music from classic Disney films like 'It's a Small World' and 'The Skeleton Dance.'
The opening-night public reception will take place on September 19, 2026, from 5 to 7:30 pm. The free event will feature live music, complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and remarks from the curators.