By Elena Epstein

The Bowers Museum will reopen on March 17, almost a year after closing due to COVID-19. The exhibition Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic is now on view through June 20, giving visitors the full spring season to experience the long-awaited return of this collection.

The June extension of Inside the Walt Disney Archives marks the third and final extension for this magical exhibition, which has been closed for much of its time at the Bowers due to statewide museum closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. With health and safety precautions in place, guests will be invited to step into the Walt Disney Archives as they walk through a 10,000-square-feet traveling exhibit featuring a dazzling display of 465 objects, including 50 pieces original artwork, 15 original screen-worn costumes, 3 cars and other props that tell the story of the Archives, The Walt Disney Company, and Walt Disney himself. Click here for tickets and more information.

In celebration of this reopening, Bowers Museum will offer 20% off purchases* at the Gallery Store 3/17 – 3/21 onsite and online at shop.bowers.org.

Safety precautions include reduced capacity with timed entry, staff and visitor temperature checks, decals for enforced social distancing, masks requirements, additional hand sanitizing stations, increased cleaning schedule, Plexi shields at transaction areas, removal of high touch and interactive gallery elements, and more.

Inside the Walt Disney Archives (includes general admission): $25 weekends, $23 weekdays. Admission for the museum will be offered at 25% capacity on a timed-entry basis. Free admission will be given to all healthcare and emergency services workers with valid ID. Discounts to pricing apply for seniors, children, students, active military, and Santa Ana residents. Details at bowers.org/visit.

Bowers Museum is located at 2002 North Main Street in Santa Ana. For more information visit bowers.org