The Disney-influenced Storybook Sign picture, part of upcoming Forest Lawn “California Visionaries” exhibit (Photo – Forest Lawn Museum)
It’s been 60 years since two California icons passed away: Forest Lawn Memorial Park founder Hubert Eaton and his colleague and friend Walt Disney. As it turns out, they have more in common than their burial places at the Glendale park.
California Visionaries: The Lives and Legacies of Walt Disney and Hubert Eaton, an exhibition on view from September 19, 2026, through February 7, 2027, explores the personal and creative relationship between the two visionaries. It highlights the philosophical and artistic parallels that shaped their respective legacies and the iconic parks they created.
More than mere businessmen, Disney and Eaton traveled similar paths from Missouri to California, establishing organizations that are deeply woven into the fabric of American culture.
They met in the 1930s, forming a lasting relationship and inspiring one another throughout their careers. In 1966, Disney served as an honorary pallbearer at Eaton’s funeral. Disney died a few months later and is interred, like Eaton, at Forest Lawn–Glendale. California Visionaries celebrates their achievements on the 60th anniversary of their deaths.
The exhibition features newly discovered archival photographs, sculptures, illustrations, animatronic figures, and more. Sheet music from Walt Disney classics such as “It’s a Small World” and “The Skeleton Dance” will be on view, along with the original master score book for Cinderella, courtesy of the Walt Disney Music Legacy Library.
The opening-night public reception will take place Saturday, September 19, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The free event will feature complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, live music, and remarks from the curators.
Visitors can also experience 75 Years: Art Finds a Home at Forest Lawn, opening the same day and celebrating the 75th anniversaries of the Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection and the Forest Lawn Museum.
California Visionaries: The Lives and Legacies of Walt Disney and Hubert Eaton will be on view from September 19, 2026, through February 7, 2027.
Guests are invited to RSVP at museum@forestlawn.com, (323) 340-4782, or the exhibition webpage.
