Walt Disney’s Childhood Home in Chicago Opens to Public for First Time
Walt Disney’s birthplace and childhood home in Chicago will be welcoming visitors for the very first time as part of Open House Chicago. The Chicago Architecture Center will hold Open House Chicago on October 14 and 15, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Hermosa house, built by Walt Disney’s father for just $800, is now restored to its original look. This is where Walt Disney, the iconic founder of Disney, was born in 1901. The house played a significant role in shaping his creativity and allowed him to follow his dreams.
Walt Disney was an example that, you know, if you come from humble beginnings, if you work hard, you follow your dreams. You could change the world, said Rey Colon, Walt Disney Birthplace project director.
Unlike traditional schooling, Walt was homeschooled in this very house. According to Colon, this environment provided the perfect nurturing ground for Walt’s creativity to flourish. It allowed him the opportunity to be creative, play, and learn.
The Disney family was deeply connected to the community and actively involved in various businesses and the local church. Their faith and values were pillars of their household, ensuring it was always filled with laughter. Interestingly, the house also had secret compartments designed to hold important documents, adding an element of surprise to the home.
Colon further emphasized how the house contributed to the success of the Disney family, especially Walt. Now, for the first time, the public will have the chance to explore and experience this historic site.
The Disneys were ordinary people, who did extraordinary things, said Colon.
In addition to the open house this weekend, there will also be a Disney100 Exhibition in Logan Square in November, celebrating 100 years of Disney.
This unique opportunity to step into the childhood home of one of the world’s most beloved creators is not to be missed. The visitors will get a glimpse of the environment that shaped Walt Disney’s early years, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the magic.
It’s a chance to see how a humble beginning can lead to extraordinary achievements and how one person’s dreams can truly change the world.
