June 6 – September 12, 2026

 

“The Animation Academy” takes students on a journey through the history of animation, from pre-film animation devices to the computer generated animated films of today.
Discover the men and women who have contributed to animation through the ages and learn what films, tools, or characters they introduced to the world.

Take a behind-the-scenes look into the making of your favorite animated shows and movies, and view old drawings, sets, and notes used in these productions. You can even try your own hand at animating!

Click here for Admission Pricing, Hours, and more! 

What to Expect:

  • Discover untold stories of the animators and studios that brought your favorite characters to life.
  • Learn to draw or trace famous characters.
  • Explore the extensive collection of preserved sketches, sets, and frames from famous films and animators

What you will learn:

  • The exacting, revision-filled process animators are tasked with, and how this process has changed overtime with new technologies and animation styles.
  • How voice actors add an extra element to bring animated characters to life.
  • How music and sound effects can influence the tone of an animation.
  • How your favorite animated characters have influenced (and were influenced by) the animation genre.

Real-Life Animators

Discover the inspiring stories of famous and groundbreaking animators throughout the years as they pioneered new animating techniques and created memorable animated masterpieces. Throughout the exhibit, stop and read to see what inspired these animators to such great success.

Tools of Animation

View tools, machines, sets, and props used to create animation throughout history, such as the multiplane camera and clay models used in Claymation films.

Origins of Animation

As you enter the exhibit, discover some of the earliest animation techniques and the first successful animated films that contributed to the rise of animation in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Classic Cartoons

Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Tom and Jerry, Tweety Bird…These classic characters helped popularize cartoons. Learn about these characters and more from Warner Bros. Studios.

Stop-Motion Animation

From clay figures, to models, to puppets, stop-motion animation makes use of physical characters rather than ones drawn on paper. Take a look at sets and figures from famous stop-motion films from animators like Tim Burton.

Be the Animator!

Using various 3-D models, create a stop-motion scene one frame at a time. Take a picture, move the figure slightly, and take another picture to create the illusion of movement. Once you are finished with a scene, you can view it, edit it, and share it!
Animation University Learn how to draw your favorite characters by following the lead of an animation instructor, or use a light table to trace a character on your own.

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Explore the world of Saturday Morning Cartoons! Learn the tricks animators from Hanna-Barbera and Nickelodeon used to save money on these low-budget, just-for-kids shows.

Computer Animation

Watch how animation has left the drawing board and entered the computer world in films like “Shrek” and “How to Train your Dragon 2”.

Zoetrope

Watch stationary models come to life as this device spins, creating the illusion of movement.
Build Your Own Set! Use Keva Planks to replicate any of the sets on display in “Get Animated!” or build your own unique setting.

 

Tiny Titans Take Over the Exploreum! Now Extended Through the Summer!

Step back in time and discover the incredible world of dinosaurs like never before!

The Exploreum Science Center is thrilled to present Tiny Titans: Hatching the Past, a captivating, hands-on exhibition that offers a rare and exciting glimpse into the lives of dinosaurs through their eggs, nests, and young. This immersive exhibit showcases an extraordinary collection of real (fossilized) dinosaur eggs and nests from around the world—including specimens from each of the major plant- and meat-eating dinosaur groups!

This one-of-a-kind experience brings together two of the most fascinating things in the natural world: DINOSAURS and BABY ANIMALS. Through interactive displays, stunning fossil specimens, and vibrant murals, visitors of all ages will explore the science behind dinosaurs, their offspring, and how paleontologists uncover and study prehistoric eggs.

What Will You Discover?

  • Authentic Dinosaur Nests & Eggs – See real and replica eggs from a variety of dinosaur species.

  • The Famous “Baby Louie” Skeleton – A nearly complete fossilized skeleton of a baby dinosaur, once featured on the cover of National Geographic (May 1996).

  • Touch & Explore – Feel real fossilized dinosaur bones and touchable replica eggs from different species.

  • Dino-Themed Fun – Enjoy hands-on activities like dino dress-up, dig pits, a Jurassic playland, and the chance to build a dinosaur skeleton.

Interactive & Educational Experiences

  • Dinosaur “Petting Zoo” – Encounter five lifelike baby dinosaurs in enclosures with full-size parents watching over them via a breathtaking mural by renowned paleo-artist Luis V. Rey.

  • Protoceratops Skeletons – Get up close with stunning mounted skeletons of these ancient creatures.

  • Paleontology Videos & Activities – Watch engaging videos featuring top paleontologists and try fun, interactive learning stations.

  • World-Class Artwork & Photography – Marvel at the work of paleo-artists Luis V. Rey and Mark Hallett, plus striking photography from Academy Award-winning photojournalist Louie Psihoyos.

  • Dinosaur Embryo Sculptures – See fascinating models of what baby dinosaurs may have looked like inside their eggs.

A Must-See Exhibit for Dino Fans of All Ages!

Whether you’re a budding paleontologist, a dinosaur enthusiast, or just love science, Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies offers an unforgettable journey into the prehistoric past. Don’t miss your chance to explore this incredible world—only at the Exploreum Science Center!

For field trips please contact Monica Dunklin at mdunklin@exploreum.com or via phone at 1-251-208-6880.

Download Teacher Resource Guide here.

Download Adventure Guide here.

“Dinosaurs are a ‘gateway’ topic to encourage interests – and ultimately careers – in science among children. Fascinating fun for the entire family, TINY TITANS traveling exhibit is an engaging hands-on dinosaur short-course exploring the ecology of egg-laying, nesting behavior, nestlings, and parental roles among dinosaurs.”

– George Phillips, Paleontology Curator

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

Jackson, Mississippi

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