Disney Fans Can Learn the Science Behind Pixar Movies at Liberty Science Center

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER / The Science Behind Pixar

Are “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille” and “Elemental” on repeat in your house? Fans of Disney’s Pixar films can get a lesson on the science and tech behind the movies at a new Liberty Science Center exhibit.

The Science Behind Pixar showcases the computer science, math and science concepts used by artists and computer scientists who help bring Pixar’s award-winning films to the big screen.

There are more than 50 interactive elements spread out in eight sections across 10,000 square feet. You’ll hear firsthand from members of the studios’ production teams in each step of Pixar’s technical process.

Visitors will learn how camera placement and angles created a bug’s-eye view for “A Bug’s Life.” You’ll also see how models are given a virtual skeleton that enables the animators to pose them and learn about techniques that give surfaces color and texture.

Kids can try a bunch of hands-on experiences like making a short film, creating a robot friend for “WALL·E” and designing a new movie set using props from “Monsters University.” Learn what animation rendering is, then practice it by rendering a scene from “Inside Out.” Create a digital sculpture from an artist’s sketch. Use lights to solve challenges similar to the ones Pixar faced in creating underwater scenes with virtual light in “Finding Nemo.”

You’ll also get to take photos with human-size recreations of Pixar film characters, including Buzz Lightyear, Dory, Mike and Sulley, Edna Mode, and WALL•E.

The project is a collaboration between the Museum of Science, Boston; and Pixar Animation Studios.

The Science Behind Pixar will be at Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City, through May 5, 2024. Tickets are available at LSC.org; they are available as an add-on to your general admission ticket.

For a sneak peek at the exhibit, check out our reel on Instagram.