For anyone who’s ever dreamed of shrinking down to toy size in Andy’s bedroom from Toy Story or wandering the vibrant streets of Santa Cecilia in Coco, that dream is now a reality. The newly opened Mundo Pixar Experience in Wembley, north London, offers a meticulously crafted journey through 14 iconic sets from the beloved animation studio. The immersive exhibition allows visitors to step directly into the worlds they’ve cherished on screen, experiencing the magic of Pixar like never before.
The exhibition isn’t just about recreating sets. it’s about capturing the painstaking detail that defines Pixar’s filmmaking. From the shimmering undersea world of Finding Nemo, complete with colorful coral and translucent jellyfish, to the lively dancefloor inspired by Coco’s Día de los Muertos celebrations, every element is designed to transport guests into the heart of these animated classics. The Mundo Pixar Experience is part of a growing trend of immersive entertainment, following the success of experiences like the Van Gogh immersive experience and pop-ups for Netflix’s Stranger Things, as well as Studio Ghibli’s set walk-throughs in Japan.
Jay Ward, a creative director at Pixar, explained that the goal was to recreate the studio’s signature attention to detail. “We are film-makers and we love to really lavish attention to detail on our movies, which you can tell when you watch them again and again. Same thing with Mundo Pixar – we want to supply a lavish amount of details and hidden Easter eggs and fun things,” he said, according to reporting from The Guardian. The sets are approximately 98% authentic, utilizing graphics directly from Pixar, though some “creative liberties” were taken to enhance visitor engagement and provide unique photo opportunities.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the exhibition also sheds light on Pixar’s rigorous research process. Visitors can learn about the studio’s studies of daycare behavior, their observations of children interacting with toys, and even how they used dogs as models for the facial expressions of the fish in Finding Nemo. This peek behind the curtain reveals the dedication and artistry that goes into creating these universally beloved films.
Ward believes the exhibition’s appeal lies in its ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. “There’s something universal about our storytelling that has a deep emotional connection. It has an authenticity to it. These stories resonate with people. It may be toys or monsters or fish, but it’s a human story that you can relate to,” he stated. He shared anecdotes of visitors recreating scenes from the films, playfully pretending to be “dead toys” as if Andy from Toy Story were approaching.
New Films and a Nostalgic Return
The launch of Mundo Pixar Experience coincides with the upcoming release of two new Pixar films. Next month will spot the debut of Hoppers, an original story about a girl who uses technology to transform into animals. And in June, audiences can anticipate the arrival of Toy Story 5. Ward expressed hope that Hoppers, which he described as “wild, very funny and very unorthodox,” would eventually find its place within the exhibition.
Acknowledging potential “sequel fatigue” among viewers, Ward emphasized Pixar’s commitment to balancing beloved franchises with original storytelling. “The sequels are beloved [intellectual property] that people know. Have you a little bit less of a risk in making a sequel? In some regards – but it also helps fuel the desire for new originals,” he explained. He also noted that interest in older films, like 2006’s Cars, often resurges as new generations discover them, potentially paving the way for future installments.
Adapting to Changing Viewing Habits
Pixar is also adapting to evolving audience habits, including the rise of at-home viewing, declining cinema attendance, and shorter attention spans. Despite these shifts, the studio remains dedicated to producing “high-quality full-length films.” Ward acknowledged that attention spans are shrinking, with viewers increasingly distracted by mobile devices. “I do think that attention spans tend to be shorter. People are distracted. People are looking at a mobile device although they’re watching a movie now, which is incredible. You’re hearing stories of people saying: ‘Oh, you have to reiterate the plot three or four times to get it’,” he said. The studio is exploring ways to address this challenge without sacrificing the quality and depth of their storytelling.
The Mundo Pixar Experience offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the artistry and enduring appeal of Pixar’s films. As the studio continues to innovate and evolve, its commitment to creating emotionally resonant stories remains at the heart of its success. With new films on the horizon and a growing catalog of beloved classics, Pixar’s influence on the world of animation—and on generations of viewers—shows no sign of waning.
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