The historic plane will be celebrated October 15th, 2022 as it joins the Palm Springs Air Museum’s aircraft on display
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I plane will journey from D23 Expo 2022 in Anaheim to Palm Springs, California where it will be celebrated mid-October when it is displayed alongside the Palm Springs Air Museum collection. In addition, a new exhibit will be constructed at the Museum and open on Walt Disney’s birthday, December 5, 2022. This new exhibit will highlight the history of the plane—also known affectionately as “The Mouse”— and showcase its significance to The Walt Disney Company’s history and its relevance to the Palm Springs Area. “We are so happy to have Walt’s plane make a ‘landing’ at the Palm Springs Air Museum, just a few miles from where Walt and his family had vacation homes at Smoke Tree Ranch,” said Walt Disney Archives director Rebecca Cline of the plane, which will be on long-term loan to the Museum. “It is the ideal setting for this incredible icon”
Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I Airplane Returns to Palm Springs Straight from D23 Expo 2022 The historic plane will be celebrated October 15th, 2022 as it joins the Palm Springs Air Museum’s aircraft on display
The newly repainted plane with updated wing edges and windows will be on view along with rarely exhibited items from the aircraft’s interior, including a customized instrument panel originally located near Walt’s favorite onboard seat that allowed him to monitor flight conditions; a telephone handset that gave Walt a direct line of communication to the pilot in the cockpit; a flight bag featuring an image of Mickey Mouse sitting on the tail of the iconic plane; and more. Walt’s plane returned to the West Coast for the first time since October 8, 1992, when the plane landed on World Drive near Orlando, Florida, at the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios), where it resided as a part of the Studio Backlot Tour until 2014. The recent exterior repaint and finishing work, along with the cross-country move of the aircraft, was made possible thanks to collaboration and support from Walt Disney Imagineering.
In 1963, Walt acquired the iconic Gulfstream that would come to be known as “The Mouse.” The interior of the plane, initially designed with creative input from Walt and his wife, Lillian, seated up to 15 passengers and included a galley kitchen, two restrooms, two couches, a desk, and nods to the mouse who started it all, including matchbooks and stationery adorned with a silhouette of Mickey Mouse. Mickey’s initials were eventually included in the tail number of the plane, too, as N234MM, in 1967. Throughout its 28 years of service to The Walt Disney Company, the plane flew 20,000 hours and transported an estimated 83,000 passengers before it was grounded.
When they visit the Palm Spring Air Museum, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the role this iconic plane has played throughout the company’s history:
In 1963, Walt, members of his family, and company executives took off on a demonstration Gulfstream aircraft to explore potential locations, including Central Florida, for a proposed development often referred to as “Project X.” After Walt received his own Gulfstream in early 1964, he made several trips to Florida that ultimately laid the foundation to bring the magic of Walt Disney World to life.
Walt’s plane flew a total of 277,282 miles back and forth between Burbank and New York to oversee preparations before and during the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair, an event that brought iconic attractions such as “it’s a small world” to an East Coast audience and, later, to Disneyland.
The plane also took Disneyland to new heights as Walt found inspiration for the look of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction as he flew over the El Moro fortress in San Juan, Puerto Rico, while conducting research for the now fan favorite.
“The Mouse” has a star-studded past, having been used for promotional tours for Disneyland as well as for classic movies such as The Jungle Book (1967), as well as making appearances in The Walt Disney Studios films The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969) and Now You See Him, Now You Don’t (1972), both of which starred Disney Legend Kurt Russell, who has ties to the Desert. The aircraft has also transported notable guests including Disney Legends Julie Andrews and Annette Funicello, as well as former U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, also frequent visitors to the Palm Springs area.
Painted blue and white in 1985, Walt’s plane embarked on goodwill tours and character visits to children’s hospitals, adding to the company’s history of giving back to the community.
About Palm Springs Air Museum
The Palm Springs Air Museum is a living history museum that contains over 75 vintage airframes from the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk, across spectrum of Military Aviation, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the F-117 Stealth Fighter inside the new Jim Houston Pavilion, to significant civilian aircraft like Clay Lacey’s Lear 24. Many of the aircraft are airworthy and flown regularly. The planes are housed inside 91,000 square feet of open hangars and on the tarmac at our ten-acre facility. Additional displays and memorabilia are located throughout the hangars. The Museum is open daily from 10 am until 5 PM. Kids 12 and under get in free with paid adult admission. Warbird rides are also available. For more info, visit PalmSpringsAirMuseum.org or call 760-778-6262 during business hours.
About the Walt Disney Archives
For more than 50 years, the Walt Disney Archives has carefully safeguarded the most treasured items from The Walt Disney Company’s history, including original scripts, movie props and costumes, Walt Disney’s correspondence and script notes, theme park artifacts, merchandise, millions of archival photographs, and many of Walt’s personal effects. Founded by Disney Legend Dave Smith in 1970, the Walt Disney Archives is a vital resource for every part of Disney, as well as an important research center for Disney scholars, researchers, and writers. The Archives also shares its countless pieces with Disney fans everywhere through its exhibitions and close association with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.
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The Palm Springs Air Museum is an educational non-profit organization whose mission is to Preserve, Educate and Honor.
PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 778-6262 / www.PalmSpringsAirMuseum.org
SOURCE Palm Springs Air Museum
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The sudden death of the Cameroon-born curator Koyo Kouoh, at the age of 57 and at the height of her career, has shaken the art world. Her passing has left a void in the African arts scene, one which extends far beyond the continent.
Born in 1967 in Douala, she spent her teenage and early adult years in Zurich, Switzerland before returning to the continent and settling in Senegal. She lived in Cape Town, South Africa from 2019. There she was executive director and chief curator of the Zeitz MOCAA museum. It holds the continent’s largest collection of contemporary art.
At the time of her death, she was due to become the first African woman to lead the prestigious Venice Biennale, dubbed the “Olympics of art world”.
She described her practice, as a creative manager of art spaces and exhibitions, as being deeply rooted in:
A pan-African, feminist, ancestral, activist perspective, but also one that is generous, inclusive and welcoming.
Kouoh was unapologetic about her commitment to promoting Africa and Africanness on the global stage. Her decorated career included serving in global roles as curatorial advisor for leadingexhibitions and art events.
As a researcher of modern and contemporary arts of Africa, I first met Kouoh in 2015 when she facilitated a curatorial workshop I attended. I would work with her at Zeitz MOCAA, specifically helping research her landmark show, When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting.
Beyond these achievements, Kouoh mentored countless artists and art organisers, especially women. She leaves a legacy of building sustainable art institutions, critical curating with care, uplifting artists and cultural workers, and educating through art.
My motto has always been, You have to set up your own house and build your own home as opposed to trying to get into someone else’s castle.
One of the lasting legacies Kouoh left is teaching how to build African arts institutions, which help give creatives the chance to be seen and heard, and to make independent decisions free of the demands of funders.
The RAW Material Company that she established in Dakar stands as testimony of that. Through the artist residency and exhibition space, she was able to bring many independent and emerging artists, curators and gallerists to Senegal. There she published books on art from the continent, helping nurture and shift the Africa art ecosystem as it began to play an increasingly visible role in global art markets.
Her role in reviving the unstable ship that was the Zeitz MOCAA at the time she took over and steering it to becoming one of Africa’s leading cultural institutions and a global competitor says a lot about her vision. As she said:
I’m a fixer, I like to take complicated institutions and make them sustainable.
Education
The exhibitions she led were thoroughly researched and tended to generate critical discourse and public dialogue. When We See Us, for example, comes with an education programme that includes a webinar series.
Each exhibition of the show as it tours globally comes with a symposium and a publication with contributions from critical thinkers in the art industry. Even more impressive is how she managed to bring together people from different sectors, including respected academics, cultural workers and captains of industry.
We cannot talk about Kouoh’s contributions to art education without mentioning the Zeitz MOCAA & University of the Western Cape Museum Fellowship Programme, geared to grow “curatorial practice as well as advance scholarship on contemporary art discourse from the continent”. In my tenure, I observed that the museum’s Centre for Art Education and its outreach programme were closest to her heart.
Celebrating African artists
At Zeitz MOCAA, Kouoh was more drawn to research-based solo exhibitions or select surveys which offered in-depth insights into “individual practices, with retrospectives and monographs”. In her time at the museum it shone a spotlight on African artists like Senzeni Marasela, Johannes Phokela, Tracey Rose, Mary Evans, Otobong Nkanga and others.
Through the museum’s ongoing Atelier programme, a studio residency which is open and experimental in nature, audiences gain insights into an artist’s practice, process, thinking and intentions. So far, artists like Thania Petersen, Igshaan Adams, Unathi Mkonto and Berni Searle have shared these processes, which normally remain invisible to those who only see the final work.
She did all this in just over five years in Cape Town.
Uplifting generations
Kouoh believed in people’s potential and saw infinite possibilities in each one of us. This can be seen through the many peers and young talents she mentored and provided space to flourish. The young team of mostly Black female curators she has left in place at Zeitz MOCAA is proof of that. She cared about the welfare of the people around her.
Of the need to elevate women, she stated:
The importance, or rather the urgency, of focusing on women’s voices cannot be highlighted enough.
Curator of the Venice Biennale 2026
Recently appointed as the next Venice Biennale’s artistic director, Kouoh was due to present the exhibition’s title and theme in Venice on 20 May.
Those who have known her practice, as well as her obsessions and values, keenly anticipated the day, knowing African voices would take centre stage. I hope her team will be allowed to execute her ideas to the end.
Legacy
Kouoh belonged to a pioneering generation of African curators who worked hard for the recognition of African voices and creativity on the global stage. Although that recognition started to be earned in the 1990s, she realised a lot more still needed to be done, which is why she never stopped working, even at the most difficult of times.
She shared her vision of building strong independent institutions, encouraging others to do the same. She led in documenting and critically engaging artistic processes, and in producing African knowledge.
May her legacy and her spirit live on. As she said:
I do believe in life after death, because I come from an ancestral black education where we believe in parallel lives and realities.
Discovering the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art: A New Cultural Landmark in Los Angeles
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, opening in 2026, will explore storytelling through diverse art collections, fostering connections among cultures, and promoting inclusivity and dialogue.
Nestled in the vibrant Exposition Park of Los Angeles, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is set to reshape our understanding of storytelling through visual art. Co-founded by the legendary filmmaker George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum aims to be the first institution solely dedicated to exploring the meaning and impact of narrative art, reflecting the common beliefs and values that bind society together.
Geprge LucasMelody Hudson
The museum’s construction is progressing towards a grand opening in 2026, with its innovative 300,000-square-foot building designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects. Its design takes inspiration from the natural world, featuring a biomorphic structure that mimics the relationship between trees and their surroundings. The bustling 11-acre campus will include lush gardens and parks designed by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA, infusing more than 200 trees into the landscape to create a serene gathering space for the community while promoting biodiversity.
But what truly sets the Lucas Museum apart is its ambitious collection aimed at featuring narrative art from various cultures, mediums, and historical periods. With works ranging from ancient Roman mosaics to contemporary photography, the collection invites viewers into complex dialogues about identity, society, and history. Artists like Lucas Cranach the Elder, Kerry James Marshall, and Cara Romero illustrate the extent to which art can challenge societal norms and provoke meaningful conversations.
As Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the museum’s Director and CEO, eloquently states, “Through narrative art, people from every age and background can find connections between their lives and the lives of others across eras, cultures, and regions of the globe.” This goal underscores the museum’s mission to foster inclusive dialogues and broaden the understanding between diverse communities.
Exciting news! The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is set to open in LA in 2025, celebrating storytelling through art and immersive experiences. Stay tuned! 🎨✨ LucasMuseum www.stmdailynews.com ♬ original sound – STMDailyNews
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lovingly embraces visual storytelling in all its forms, from traditional paintings and sculptures to comic art and illustrations. This multifaceted approach not only honors the rich history of narrative in art but also opens doors to contemporary practices that resonate with today’s viewers.
As construction milestones are reached, including the recent installation of unique, curved panels on the museum’s façade and the introduction of iconic landscaping elements, excitement builds for the museum’s anticipated opening. The Lucas Museum stands as a beacon of creativity, connection, and inclusivity, inviting the public to delve into the powerful narratives that shape our world.
In a society where storytelling is at the heart of human experience, the Lucas Museum aims not only to showcase art but also to ignite deeper connections and provoke thought about the world we inhabit. Mark your calendars for 2026—you won’t want to miss this extraordinary addition to Los Angeles’ cultural landscape!
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The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is a remarkable addition to the vibrant cultural landscape of Los Angeles, California. Established by acclaimed filmmaker George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, the museum is poised to become a pivotal hub for visual storytelling across diverse artistic forms.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
Lucas Museum
Nestled in Exposition Park, the museum features an extensive collection encompassing myriad artistic mediums. From striking paintings and evocative photography to intricate sculptures and compelling illustrations, the Lucas Museum is dedicated to celebrating the transformative power of narrative art, engaging audiences, and conveying profound messages through its exhibitions. As the museum evolves, it continues to enrich the conversation around art and storytelling, inviting visitors to experience narratives that resonate on multiple levels.
One of the standout features of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The museum aims to celebrate art from a multitude of cultures and backgrounds, giving voice to underrepresented narratives and perspectives. This focus on inclusivity is not only manifested in the museum’s eclectic collection but is also vividly reflected in its thoughtfully crafted programming and community outreach initiatives. By engaging with local communities and diverse artists, the museum fosters a rich dialogue that honors different traditions and storytelling techniques.
Designed by the acclaimed architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, the museum’s stunning building is a work of art in itself. Its unique and innovative architecture seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment, creating a harmonious space that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse world of storytelling. The dynamic design features flowing forms and open spaces, allowing natural light to play a crucial role in enhancing the overall aesthetic experience. This architectural masterpiece not only serves as a physical shelter for art but also symbolizes the fluid nature of narrative.
The museum’s website, lucasmuseum.org, offers a captivating glimpse into its vision and future exhibits, generating palpable excitement among art enthusiasts and fans of George Lucas’s cinematic legacy alike. It serves as a vital platform for engaging with the museum’s mission and provides ongoing updates about various programs and events that aim to foster a sense of community and anticipation leading up to its grand opening.
By Original work: Ma YansongDepiction: Lucas Museum of Narrative Art – http://lucasmuseum.org/media-room, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56767852
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art stands as a testament to the profound power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and unite people from all walks of life. It embodies George Lucas’s passion for narrative and creativity, creating a space where art can be experienced, appreciated, and understood in its many forms. The museum will not only display art but also offer educational workshops, lectures, and events that will enrich the visitor experience and promote a deeper understanding of narrative as a vital component of human experience.
As the museum prepares to open its doors, the anticipation continues to build, with Los Angeles eagerly awaiting the opportunity to explore the rich world of narrative art. The Lucas Museum promises to become a cultural landmark—an inspiring venue where imagination and creativity converge. It aims to be a place where the stories that shape our lives are not just preserved, but celebrated and explored, ensuring that the legacy of narrative art endures for generations to come.
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