Welcome to the ToonSeum

The ToonSeum, Pittsburgh Museum of Cartoon Art, is one of only three museums in the United State dedicated exclusively to the cartoon arts.

The ToonSeum features exhibitions or original comic and cartoon art, with new exhibits every two months.

Our giftshop carries unique comics and books related to the cartoon arts.


Thursday, November 17, 2011

I say I say son, Robert McKimson Jr. To speak at the ToonSeum!

“I Say, I Say Son!” Foghorn Leghorn Creator’s Son to Speak at ToonSeum.

The ToonSeum pulls back the curtain to take a behind the scenes of Looney Tunes through the eyes of Robert McKimson Jr.
Robert is the son of famed Warner Bros. cartoon director and animator Bob and the nephew of animators Chuck and Tom McKimson.
Robert will share the story of his animated family through pictures and remembrances of their work and the legendary characters they created.
Those characters are a who’s who of Warner Bros. animation including popular characters like Foghorn Leghorn, Tasmanian Devil and many more.
This presentation offers a rare glimpse at the lives and work of some of the most important animators of animations golden age.

Roberts new book “I Say, I Say Son.” Will be released in 2012.

Robert will speak at the ToonSeum on Saturday November 26th, at 6pm.
Reception and viewing of “Overture: Behind the Scenes of Looney Tunes” exhibition will follow.

Admission is $5 at www.mckimson.eventbrite.com
Members are free.
Online reservations are recommended.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Haring inspired exhibit at the ToonSeum

Superheroes at the Andy Warhol Museum? A Keith Haring exhibition at the ToonSeum? Has the museum world gone topsy-turvey?

This summer, the ToonSeum presented its popular exhibit "Superheroes: Icons and Origins" — a showcase of the most iconic superhero characters of all time as drawn by their original masters. This fall, the Andy Warhol Museum offers up "Heroes and Villians: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross."
In what is clearly a Bizarro comic plot twist, the ToonSeum is putting its own spin on Andy Warhol contemporary and collaborator Keith Haring! The ToonSeum is presenting "Animating Haring!" — an exhibit celebrating Haring inspired animation art.

“Pop art has recognized the role of comics and cartoons for decades,” said ToonSeum Executive Director Joe Wos. “The influence of cartoons on Keith Haring’s bold line drawings is undeniable and lends itself well to the art of animation.”

Twenty pieces will be on display on the ToonSeum hall gallery— featuring the playful dancing men, colorful dogs and other iconic symbols used by Haring throughout his career. These original production cels and sketches are from animated segments produced for Sesame Street of America under the guidance and approval of the Keith Haring Foundation.

Haring was born in Kutztown, Pa. The cartoon work of Dr. Seuss and Walt Disney Studios are credited as his earliest inspirations. In 1976, he attended the Ivy School of Professional Art in Pittsburgh. After dropping out, he remained in Pittsburgh for a few years, then eventually moved to New York. His cartoon-inspired simple bold lines and vibrant colors became his trademark style and garnered international recognition. The ToonSeum is delighted to recognize Haring's roots as a young cartoonist.

The exhibition will run from Oct. 22-Feb. 26 in the ToonSeum Hall Gallery.