MoMA Launches Major Exhibition Celebrating a Century of Global Animation History

The Museum of Modern Art in New York City has officially opened a new exhibition titled "It’s Alive!: A Century of Animation from the Collection." This major showcase began on August 1, 2026, and is scheduled to run through the summer of 2027. It offers a deep look at how animation has changed over the last 100 years. The exhibition draws from the museum's extensive history of collecting and celebrating animated works. Since the early days of motion pictures, animation has been a key part of the museum's programs. This new display brings together more than a century of artistic expression and visual styles. Visitors can see the work of more than 35 different artists and filmmakers who have helped the medium grow. The collection includes pieces from both independent creators and large, well-known movie studios. This variety shows how animation has moved from a niche interest to a global cultural force. A significant portion of the exhibition focuses on animators who called New York City their home. Artists like Jane Aaron and John Canemaker are featured for their unique contributions to the field. Their work helped shape the city's reputation as a hub for creative filmmaking. Other notable names in the exhibition include Faith Hubley and Emily Hubley, as well as George Griffin. These artists balanced their personal film projects with work for major outlets like Public Television and MTV. Their creative output resonated with audiences around the world and influenced popular culture. The exhibition also highlights the work of Candy Kugel, Jeff Scher, and Michael Sporn. These individuals represent a rich period in the history of movie-making within the city. Their diverse styles show the many ways that animation can tell a story or express an emotion. "It’s Alive!" is designed to be a testament to the diversity and delights of the animation medium. It explores how technology and artistic vision have combined to enchant audiences for decades. The museum aims to show that animation is a serious and evolving art form. The Museum of Modern Art has hosted more than a hundred programs dedicated to animation over the years. This exhibition is a culmination of those efforts to preserve and interpret the history of the craft. It provides a space for both casual fans and art historians to learn more. The display is located at the museum's main building at 11 West 53rd Street in Manhattan. It occupies a prominent space to ensure that many visitors can experience the collection. The museum expects high attendance throughout the year-long run of the show. By showcasing these works, the museum highlights the intersection of art, technology, and storytelling. The exhibition includes everything from early hand-drawn sketches to modern digital techniques. This timeline helps viewers understand the technical challenges artists have faced over time. The curators have carefully selected pieces that represent different eras of animation history. Each section of the exhibition provides context for the social and cultural environment of the time. This approach helps visitors see how animation reflects the world around it. The Museum of Modern Art continues to be a leader in recognizing animation as a vital part of modern art. This exhibition reinforces that commitment by giving these works a prestigious platform. It invites the public to rediscover the magic of moving images in a new way. The exhibition is part of a broader effort by the museum to make its permanent collection more accessible. By focusing on a specific medium like animation, the museum can tell a more detailed story about artistic progress. The show includes films, drawings, and other artifacts that have rarely been seen together. It serves as a comprehensive guide to the history of the animated image.