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Later this year, Mackay in Queensland will be the first Australian location to house Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic. The exhibition has travelled to Philadelphia, Munich, London, Chicago, Kansas City, Seoul, Paris and Madrid. And, now, Mackay.

**What is Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic?**

The exhibition will make its Australian premiere at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) on 4 December 2026, bringing Australian audiences, for the very first time, a behind-the-scenes look at beloved stories, as well as unique artifacts and costumes from the Walt Disney Archives.

The Walt Disney Archives, in collaboration with Semmel Exhibitions, have created an immersive experience celebrating 100 years of Disney storytelling and innovation. The exhibition will feature props, costumes and works of art from throughout The Walt Disney Company as well as interactive galleries and curated displays that transport visitors into the heart of Disney’s legacy.

: Photo of Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse by Derek X Lee

: Disney100. Photo by Luke Dyson

“This is a world-class experience featuring expansive gallery builds and large-scale displays of more than 120 treasured objects brought together to tell a century of Disney history. Presenting an exhibition of this magnitude speaks to the capability of the MECC and the ambition of Mackay as a host destination, and we’re thrilled to bring the full immersive experience to this audience,” said Christoph Scholz, Director Exhibitions & International Projects at Semmel Exhibitions.

Appealing to all ages, the immersive galleries feature visual, audio, and interactive elements. There are also Disney’s “Crown Jewels”, including more than 120 unique and rarely seen works of art, memorabilia, costumes and props from the collections of the Walt Disney Archives.

On display will be original costumes for characters such as Minnie Mouse and Cruella, plus authentic film props such as Cinderella’s glass slipper from the 2015 live-action film, Jack Sparrow’s compass from the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise and the lightsaber hilt used by Mark Hamill in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017).

Effect on (regional) Queensland

Mackay Regional Council actively sought the opportunity to host the Disney exhibition, and it promises to be a major win for tourism in regional Queensland.

Cinderella’s Glass Slipper. Photo by Luke Dyson

Another reason to visit Queensland, the exhibition is expected to generate $14.51 million in total output and around 38,528 domestic day visitors, contributing to local tourism, hospitality and retail sectors.

Mackay Mayor, Greg Williamson, said, “Hosting the Australian premiere of Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic is an extraordinary moment for Mackay. It’s not every day that regional Queensland brings Disney magic down under, and we could not be prouder to share this with our community.”

Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic is sure to spark imagination and nostalgia for fans and families alike. Also, with international travel still feeling uncertain for many Australians, this exhibition shows how a regional council can take tourism into its own hands and bring both world-class experiences and travel dollars to local communities.

Event details – https://disney100exhibit.com/

What: Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic
Where: Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC), Mackay, Queensland
Dates: 4 December 2026 – 4 May 2027
Tickets: On sale https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=DISNEY27