Cartoon Art Museum

The Cartoon Art Museum has something for everyone — from comic strips, comic books and animation to political cartoons, graphic novels and underground comix. Visitors of all ages can view original cartoon art at exhibitions and screenings, produce their own comics and animation at classes and workshops, research deeply into our collection and library, and mingle with professional and aspiring cartoonists. The Museum’s mission is to ignite imaginations and foster the next generation of visual storytellers by celebrating the history of cartoon art, its role in society, and its universal appeal. Located at 781 Beach Street (just one block from Aquatic Park, the Maritime Museum, Ghirardelli Square, and the Hyde Street cable car turnaround), the first floor gallery and lobby offer a beautiful historic façade, prominent street presence, convenient parking, and easy access to and from public transportation. Visit our website for a list of current exhibitions.

Exhibits

YAY Comics! Hilo, Phoebe and Her Unicorn, and Friends
An exhibition of original artwork from four talented cartoonists who are creating some of the most popular and entertaining comics for young readers today. From school libraries and playgrounds to comic shops and bookstores, these graphic novels including Hilo, Phoebe and Her Unicorn, Jukebox, and Amelia Erroway: Castaway Commander bring joy and delight to young audiences and readers of all ages with their humor and their innovative storytelling.

Chivalry: The Art of Colleen Doran
The Cartoon Art Museum presents an exhibition of original artwork from the Dark Horse graphic novel Chivalry illustrated by Doran and written by Neil Gaiman. This exhibition features Doran's beautiful cover painting and twenty original pages personally selected by the artist. The graphic novel is an adaptation of a short story written by Gaiman in which an elderly British widow buys what turns out to be the Holy Grail from a second-hand shop. This chance purchase sets her off on an epic adventure when she begins receiving visits from an ancient knight who lures her with ancient relics in hope for winning the cup.

EMERGING ARTIST SHOWCASE: featuring Ajuan Mance
This exhibit features a selection of Mance’s favorite illustrations, including a celebration of Día de los Muertos, "Ghosts of the Apollo Theatre" from The New Yorker's Daily Shouts column, and a series of interactive portraits enhanced by QR-code animation.

A Treasury of Animation
The exhibition explores the history of television animation from the first TV animated series, Crusader Rabbit, through primetime favorites like The Simpsons. From the earliest hand-drawn cartoons to today’s blockbuster CGI films, all animation begins with an artist and an idea. The Cartoon Art Museum’s new exhibition, A Treasury of Animation, showcases original production art following the evolution of animation from the 1920s onward.

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