The gallery space in Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort now features an exhibit dedicated to Cars for the film’s 20th anniversary.
The Art of Pixar Gallery Featuring Cars
The gallery is on the second floor overlooking the lobby.
A mural wall features a map highlighting Route 66, the fictional Carburetor County, and Radiator Springs in the center.
The gallery features concept art, sketches, storyboards, maquettes, and more for the first Cars film.
Each piece is labeled with the artist’s name and medium.
Maquettes are preliminary models. In this case, the maquettes on display represent Lightning McQueen and Mater. They were crafted out of resin and clay by Jerome Ranft.
“Best Friends” storyboards of Lightning and Mater were sketched by Joe Ranft, Jerome’s brother who co-directed and co-wrote the film. Ranft passed away before the film’s release and Cars is dedicated to his memory.
Other artists include Garett Sheldrew, Bob Pauley, Bill Cone, Nat McLaughlin, Matt Nolte, Buck Lewis, Jay Shuster, Steve Purcell, Dan Scanlon, John Lee, Tia W. Kratter, and Bud Luckey.
The artwork is approximately divided into different subjects and themes. For example, the four pieces in our above photo all depict Ornament Valley and the Cadillac Range.
On this wall are pieces depicting various Radiator Springs residents and locales.
A TV plays early animation tests and research trip footage. Above are clips of a Lightning McQueen rig test.
More information about Pixar’s research trips is on this panel. The Cars production team visited Detroit automakers and went on a tour of Route 66 guided by author and historian Michael Wallis.
Cars was released in theaters on June 9, 2006. Disney has celebrated with a collaboration collection from Formula 1 and an appearance by Lightning McQueen at the Formula 1 Gran Premio d’Italia 2026.
At Magic Kingdom, a new Cars-themed area called Piston Peak National Park is under construction.
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