“I thought it was San Francisco’s MoMA”
There really is only one MoMA–in NY. Only the Guggenheim in Los Angeles comes even close!
Apparently the SF Moma rejected putting the Pixar show on. Lucky for everyone the Oakland Museum got it. It’s a far better venue.
SFMoma must be kicking themselves in their pants.
Wow, why would they do that? They probably underestemated the popularity of Pixar.
I think it fits more in Oakland,since the Oakland museum is 15 minutes away from Pixar. And I agree, the Oakland Museum is a better venue than SF MoMA in general.
It’s really unfortunate that SF MoMA rejected the Pixar exhibit since it would have attracted hundreds more people than in Oakland (Insider sources tell me SF MoMA thought it would be too “corporate.”). In all, I do agree that it makes sense that it’s at the Oakland Museum. A few years ago the Oakland Museum had the Disneyland history exhibit, which was really nice, and they just finished remodeling; the California History section is completely redone.
Anyway, I just got back from the exhibit today and I have to say: If you consider yourself a Pixar fan, you must go, no matter where in the world you are. Concept art from every single Pixar feature film and most of the short films. PLEASE consider taking a trip to the San Francisco Bay before the exhibit moves onto another city! San Francisco has so much to offer! (Not to mention, you’ll get a chance to visit the pearly gates of the studio just 3 miles from the museum)
The first thing you see are original concept art of Luxo Jr, and a short section on the Toy Story trilogy. Then, the exhibit’s organization is divided into: Character, Story, and World, and the organization from film-to-film is not clear, but it shows Character, Story, and World as part of the filmmaking process.
The 15-minute movie at the end of the exhibit is worth the price alone, they turned a bunch of concept art into a fly-through of the Pixar world and updated it for the Oakland Museum, and it’s so entirely immersive.
If you’ve read all of the “Art of” books, then you know what to expect, because much of the art in those books is represented in the exhibit. Since the entry to the exhibit is timed, I spent the most time I could, and often had an entire room to myself to absorb each pencil, brush, and digital stroke of the geniuses that are Pixar. A+++++
You’re killing me TheIncredible! Make me even more excited! How much time do you get to be in the exhibit? Was it enough time to see everything?
I am a tad nervous about getting there! I know San Francisco and the North Bay like the back of my hand, but the East Bay is completely foreign to me! I’m going with a slew of my 18 year old friends, so I hope we don’t get lost! We probably will, but it will be worth it to see all of the Pixar artwork.
Did you stop by the gates of Pixar?
This might deserve attention on Upcoming Pixar blog: NPR-KQED did a story on the Pixar exhibit. Also make sure to download the “Web Extra: Pixar’s John Lasseter Discusses the Exhibit.” I’m listening to it right now, it’s 17 minutes of pure bliss.
ellie-jessie-eve, It’s timed entry and you can stay in the exhibit as long as the museum is open. And no, I didn’t stop at Pixar today, but I did stop by the gates of Pixar on opening night of Toy Story 3, and I’ve gotten a tour, but that’s another story.
Oh, I forgot to ask! Was there a guest book to sign?
I don’t think there was a guest book, but I wasn’t looking for one.
My friends and I are choosing dates to go to the Exhibit, we’re going the weekend school goes out for break, the perfect time to do it! We’re also still going to the gates of Pixar and Fenton’s, we’re so excited. I can’t believe it’s all coming together!
Fenton’s is nice- I like their original chocolate and vanilla cone the best, personally. Did you get to go on your trip yet- how was it?
Pixar Builder: Nope, not yet! I’m actually heading down there tommorrow! I’m super excited, and yes I’m excited for Fenton’s too!
Fenton’s is a real place? 
I wish I could go… 
Yep it is. It looks nearly the same in the movie. It’s a popular place for Pixar animators and artists to hang out at to grab a bite to eat, or an ice cream of course!
That’s so cool!! Just like th Hidden City Café. 