The Science Behind Pixar

Create, animate, light, and render as you discover the science behind some of Pixar’s most beloved films.

Step into the world of The Science Behind Pixar and explore the creativity, technology, engineering, art, and math that bring unforgettable stories and characters to life.

Created by the Museum of Science, Boston in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios, The Science Behind Pixar features more than 50 interactive experiences that reveal the science and technology behind beloved films including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc., The Incredibles, A Bug’s Life, and more. Journey through the eight stages of Pixar’s production pipeline and discover how artists and computer scientists work together to create the characters, worlds, and stories audiences know and love.

Participate in hands-on activities, hear firsthand accounts from members of Pixar’s production teams, and come face-to-face with recreations of beloved Pixar film characters.

Go from sketch to screen

Follow every step of Pixar’s filmmaking process—from Modeling and Rigging to Animation, Lighting, and Rendering—and discover how animated stories come to life.

Create like a Pixar filmmaker

Experiment with interactive challenges inspired by the same creative and technical concepts used by Pixar artists and computer scientists every day.

Unlock the science behind the magic

Explore how science, technology, engineering, art, and math work together to create believable characters, breathtaking environments, and unforgettable moments.

Get up close with Pixar favorites

Come face-to-face with recreations of beloved Pixar film characters, including Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story, Dory from Finding Nemo, Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc., Edna Mode from The Incredibles, and WALL•E.