The Science Behind Pixar

The exhibit combines different styles of learning, from computer interactives to tactile activities, all while giving visitors lessons in "STEM"

Few movies are so universally enjoyed by children and adults as Pixar's. The company's animated features have been charming audiences for 20 years with their expert storytelling and artistry. Now, a new exhibit is focusing on the science behind those films.

Art and technology are colliding at the Museum of Science in Boston where the beloved characters are getting the behind-the-scenes treatment.

"Pixar came to us and said we would really like to have an exhibit that focuses on our technical process," said Alana Parkes, lead content developer.

"We have organized the exhibit around what we call the technical pipeline," said Parkes. "Pixar's technical pipeline. Which is sort of the steps of the process a movie goes through as it's being developed."

You begin with modeling and along the way there's rigging and animation.

The exhibit combines different styles of learning, from computer interactives to tactile activities, all while giving visitors lessons in "STEM."

"Your experience of doing the math is integral into the fun of being here at the exhibit," said Parkes.

It's a formula that's been wildly successful. The exhibit has been selling out and enticing visitors to come back.

"People come in often loving Pixar movies and you get to appreciate them in a whole new way," said Parkes. "The understanding of the technical expertise that went into creating them just adds to the marvelousness of that experience."

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