Family of bears with a cat and a dog riding a bicycle in a 1922 cartoon frame

Laugh O Gram Studio

Laugh-O-Gram Studio Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions in Kansas City

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: Laugh-O-Gram Studio’s Legacy in Kansas City

Laugh-O-Gram Studio, located at 1127 East 31st Street in Kansas City, Missouri, is a cornerstone of American animation history and the professional springboard for Walt Disney. Founded by Disney in May 1922, this modest studio catalyzed the careers of some of animation’s most influential pioneers, including Ub Iwerks, Hugh Harman, and Rudolf Ising. Within its walls, Disney’s team reimagined classic fairy tales as black-and-white silent cartoons, introduced groundbreaking live-action and animation blends, and developed the concept for the famous “Alice Comedies.” These innovations laid the groundwork for much of Disney’s later success and established Kansas City as a formative site in animation history (Thank You Walt Disney, Inc.; KCTV5; DisneyTips.com).

Today, Laugh-O-Gram Studio stands as a symbol of creativity, resilience, and the enterprising spirit that characterized Disney’s early ambitions. After years of neglect and near-demolition, the building is being restored by Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. to become a museum and educational center dedicated to animation and digital media entrepreneurship. This guide provides comprehensive details for planning your visit, including up-to-date visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, nearby attractions, and practical travel tips.

Mother talking to Jack about magic beans in 1922 cartoon

Theatrical poster of Disney's Little Red Riding Hood film showing a colorful illustration

Still frame from the 1922 animated short Little Red Riding Hood showing Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf

Opening frame of the 1923 short film Martha showing Laugh-o-Gram Films Inc and Song-o-Reels logos

Introduction: Laugh-O-Gram Studio’s Legacy in Kansas City
Early History and Founding (1922–1923)
The Creative Team and Innovations
Productions and Artistic Achievements
Challenges and Closure
Enduring Legacy and Industry Influence
Preservation and Restoration Milestones
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Hours, and Accessibility
Visual and Interactive Resources
Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Key Dates and Architectural Context
Supporting the Restoration
Summary and Invitation to Visit
References

Early History and Founding (1922–1923)

Walt Disney, at just 20 years old, incorporated Laugh-O-Gram Films in Kansas City in May 1922. The studio occupied five rooms on the second floor of the Nelle Peters-designed McConahay Building. Disney’s entrepreneurial zeal was evident: he often lived at the studio to save on rent and used nearby Union Station for his weekly showers. At its peak, the studio employed a team of 11, creating a dynamic environment of innovation and collaboration (Thank You Walt Disney, Inc.).

The Creative Team and Innovations

Laugh-O-Gram Studio became a hub for emerging animation talent. Walt Disney’s partnership with Ub Iwerks—initiated at the Pesmen-Rubin Ad Agency—was foundational for both their futures. Alongside collaborators such as Hugh Harman, Rudolf Ising, and Max Maxwell, the team pushed the boundaries of animation, learning from library books and experimenting with new techniques like stop-motion and drawn animation (Thank You Walt Disney, Inc.).

Productions and Artistic Achievements

During its brief operation, the studio produced a series of one-reel, silent cartoons reimagining fairy tales like “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Cinderella,” and “Puss in Boots” with modern humor. Their most significant technical leap was the “Alice Comedies,” blending live-action and animation—a precursor to Disney’s later Hollywood successes (Thank You Walt Disney, Inc.).

Challenges and Closure

Despite creative triumphs, Laugh-O-Gram struggled financially. A failed contract with Pictorial Clubs, Inc. left the studio unpaid for completed work, leading to bankruptcy by summer 1923. Before departing Kansas City, Disney released his pet mouse—a poignant act that would later inspire the creation of Mickey Mouse (Thank You Walt Disney, Inc.).

Enduring Legacy and Industry Influence

Though short-lived, Laugh-O-Gram’s influence was profound. Alumni like Iwerks, Harman, and Ising would help establish the Hollywood animation industry, contributing to the creation of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Looney Tunes, and ultimately Mickey Mouse. The collaborative and innovative spirit fostered at 31st and Forest Streets became hallmarks of American animation (Thank You Walt Disney, Inc.).

Preservation and Restoration Milestones

Saved from demolition in 1995, the studio is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a Kansas City landmark. Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. leads the ongoing $7 million restoration, supported by state tax credits, federal grants, and donations—including a $2 million gift from Diane Disney Miller (DisneyTips.com; Startland News; MickeyBlog). Restoration highlights include rebuilding the original façade, structural stabilization, and plans for immersive museum spaces.

Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Hours, and Accessibility

Current Status

Restoration Ongoing: The interior is under renovation, with regular public hours to be announced upon completion.
Exterior Viewing: Visitors can view exterior murals and historic plaques during restoration.

Anticipated Visiting Hours (Upon Reopening)

Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Closed Mondays and major holidays

Tickets

Adults: $12
Seniors (65+): $10
Youth (6–17): $8
Children under 6: Free
Group and school rates: Available by request

Tickets will be available via ThankYouWaltDisney.org.

Accessibility

Fully ADA-compliant: Wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms.
Parking: On-site and nearby street parking.
Public Transit: Several bus lines serve the 31st and Troost area.

Nearby Attractions

18th & Vine Jazz District
Union Station
Kansas City Public Library
Walt Disney’s boyhood home

Visual and Interactive Resources

Historic and current images are available on the Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. website, featuring alt text for accessibility.
Virtual tours and interactive maps will be available as restoration progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the current visiting hours?
A: The studio’s interior is closed during restoration. Exterior viewing is available; reopening hours will be posted on the official website.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Tickets will be sold online and at the entrance upon reopening.

Q: Is the building wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, all public areas will be ADA-compliant.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided and self-guided tours will be offered once the museum opens.

Q: What else is nearby?
A: The studio is close to the 18th & Vine Jazz District, Union Station, and other Kansas City attractions.

Key Dates and Architectural Context

1922: Walt Disney founds Laugh-O-Gram Films.
1923: Studio closes; Disney relocates to Hollywood.
1995: Building saved from demolition.
2024–2025: Major restoration milestones, with reopening anticipated post-completion.

The two-story, 10,000-square-foot McConahay Building, designed by Nelle Peters, is a centerpiece of Kansas City’s architectural and cultural heritage (Multi Studio).

Supporting the Restoration

Contributions help preserve this vital landmark and fund educational programs. Donations of $5,000+ may qualify for Missouri state tax credits. For details and to support the campaign, visit ThankYouWaltDisney.org.

Summary and Invitation to Visit

Laugh-O-Gram Studio is not just a piece of Kansas City history—it’s the birthplace of American animation’s golden age. Its restoration ensures that Walt Disney’s pioneering spirit and the legacy of his collaborators will inspire generations to come. As the revitalized museum and educational center prepares to open, we encourage you to follow updates, plan your visit, and support this extraordinary project.

For the latest news on visiting hours, tickets, and special events, check ThankYouWaltDisney.org. Download the Audiala app for exclusive audio tours and insider content, and connect with us on social media for stories from Kansas City’s dynamic cultural landscape.