See ‘The Science Behind Pixar‘ at COSI This Fall

Ever wonder how a toy cowboy, a forgetful fish or a trash-collecting robot leap off the screen and into our hearts? This fall, visitors to COSI in Columbus can find out just what that process looks like.

On Oct. 11, COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, welcomes “The Science Behind Pixar,” a 10,000-square-foot interactive exhibition that takes fans behind the curtain of one of the most innovative animation studios in the world.

The exhibition walks visitors through each stage of Pixar production, including modeling, rigging, animation, cameras, lighting, sets and rendering, brought to life with interactive activities inspired by films such as “Toy Story,” “Finding Nemo” and “A Bug’s Life.”

Visitors can try their hand at animating characters, experiment with lighting (with a little help from the “Finding Nemo” gang) and even see how creative camera placement created a bug’s-eye view of the world. There are plenty of photo ops available with life-size versions of Buzz Lightyear, Dory, Mike and Sulley, Edna Mode and WALL•E.

“Pixar has a way of making the impossible feel real — but what’s often overlooked is the real science, math and problem-solving behind that magic,” Frederic Bertley, president and CEO of COSI, said in an Aug. 26, 2025, press release. ““The Science Behind Pixar’ is a masterclass in how science, technology, engineering, art and math come together to build entire worlds from the ground up. It’s engaging, hands-on and deeply inspiring.”

Created by the Museum of Science in Boston in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios, the exhibition mixes creativity and problem-solving with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) skills.

Visitors will also find video interviews with Pixar’s own artists, scientists and engineers, offering a rare peek at the collaboration and creativity that fuels these iconic films.

“We’re proud to bring this exhibition to Ohio and help young people see that with the right tools, their ideas can become reality,” Bertley said in the release.

COSI will host “The Science Behind Pixar” Oct. 11, 2025, through May 25, 2026.

For more information about “The Science Behind Pixar,” visit cosi.org/pixar

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