Unleash Your Inner Animator at the ECHO Leahy Center’s AnimationLand Exhibit

Published on December 18, 2025

From now until January 4, 2026, the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont, invites visitors to explore the exciting and immersive AnimationLand Exhibit. This unique event provides both budding artists and animation enthusiasts a chance to embark on a creative journey, unveiling the fascinating world of animation through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.

Whether you’re an aspiring animator or simply curious about how animated films come to life, the AnimationLand Exhibit offers a rich, educational experience that is perfect for visitors of all ages. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the magic of animation firsthand and understand the key techniques that make animated films come to life.

Unleash Your Creativity Through Animation

At the heart of the exhibit is Tracey, the pencil dog, who acts as a charismatic guide, leading visitors through the step-by-step process of creating animated stories. With Tracey’s help, guests learn the basics of animation, from the initial stages of storyboarding to the intricate art of stop-motion animation.

The exhibit encourages visitors to become part of the animation process themselves, offering the chance to sketch, storyboard, and experiment with different techniques. Guests can channel their creativity by exploring how stories are developed, characters are brought to life, and how the smallest movement on screen can have a profound effect on the viewer.

This interactive experience allows visitors to get a deeper understanding of animation’s role in storytelling. Whether it’s creating their own stop-motion short or sketching characters, the exhibit provides a hands-on opportunity to experiment with animation tools and discover the magic behind creating moving pictures.

A Fun, Educational Experience for All Ages

The AnimationLand Exhibit is designed to engage visitors of all ages and levels of experience. For young children, it provides a safe and welcoming space to experiment with drawing and animation, sparking their creativity and imaginations. For older children and adults, the exhibit dives deeper into the techniques of animation, offering valuable insights into the professional world of animation production. Whether you’re a novice looking to learn more or a seasoned animation enthusiast eager to refine your skills, the exhibit offers something for everyone.

This exhibit is also a fantastic educational experience for school groups and families. With its engaging and fun atmosphere, it’s an ideal outing for children and young adults who have an interest in art, storytelling, and technology. Teachers can incorporate the exhibit into educational curricula, encouraging students to explore creativity and science while learning about animation techniques.

Moreover, the AnimationLand Exhibit emphasizes learning by doing. Through guided activities, visitors get to experience the process of animation in a fun, collaborative environment. They’ll discover how animated films come to life, gaining an appreciation for the art form and the teamwork that goes into creating beloved animated features.

Engage with the History and Future of Animation

Beyond the technical aspects of animation, the AnimationLand Exhibit also provides a rich history of animation. Visitors can learn about the pioneers who made significant contributions to the field, from early animators like Walt Disney and Max Fleischer to the innovators behind modern animation studios such as Pixar and DreamWorks. The exhibit highlights key moments in animation history, showcasing the evolution of animation techniques and the rise of computer-generated imagery (CGI).

As visitors explore the exhibit, they will gain a broader understanding of animation’s impact on modern cinema and pop culture. They will see how animation has become a global industry, influencing not just movies, but also television, video games, advertising, and even virtual reality. Animation is a medium that connects generations, and the AnimationLand Exhibit gives visitors a glimpse into its past while also offering a glimpse of its exciting future.

Location and Details

The AnimationLand Exhibit is now open and will be available through January 4, 2026, at the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, located at 1 College St, Burlington, VT 05401. Situated along the shores of beautiful Lake Champlain, the ECHO Center is a vibrant hub for learning and exploration, making it the perfect setting for this immersive exhibit.

The center itself is a treasure trove of exhibits and activities that blend science, nature, and culture. Visitors can explore interactive displays about the environment, local wildlife, and the ecology of Lake Champlain. With the AnimationLand Exhibit, the ECHO Center extends its offerings by providing an opportunity for guests to tap into their creative potential and experience animation in a dynamic way.

Admission to the exhibit is open to both locals and tourists. Whether you’re a resident of Burlington or visiting from out of town, the exhibit promises to be a highlight of your trip. It’s a fantastic way to spend a few hours exploring creativity, art, and the wonders of animation.

An Ideal Winter Activity for Families

As the winter months set in, the AnimationLand Exhibit provides the perfect indoor activity for families and tourists looking to stay warm while engaging in something exciting. While winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding are popular in Vermont, the AnimationLand Exhibit offers a unique opportunity to dive into the world of animation, making it a fun and enriching way to spend time indoors.

This interactive exhibit is also ideal for school field trips, offering an educational experience that aligns with various learning standards, such as those in art and media studies. Whether you’re a local school group or a family visiting Burlington for the holidays, the exhibit provides a hands-on and engaging way to explore the world of animation together.

Final Thoughts

The AnimationLand Exhibit at the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is a unique, interactive experience that brings animation to life. With its hands-on activities, creative exploration, and educational value, the exhibit offers something for everyone. From storyboarding to stop-motion animation, visitors can discover the magic of animation and even create their own animated stories. With just a few days left to experience the exhibit, be sure to make plans to visit before it closes on January 4, 2026.