"Dreamers"
The Walt Statue Project proposes the installation of a life-size bronze statue of Walt Disney in the center of Ripley Square in Walt’s boyhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri. Walt would be depicted by two figures – one as a young boy here in Marceline, doing his first drawings as he sat under his ‘Dreaming Tree’, and the second as an adult, thinking back on his time in the small farm town that guided his imagination for decades, and led to the wonderful memories we all know and love.
The plaque would feature the title “Dreamers”, with a quote from a letter Walt wrote to a Marceline newspaper later in life: “More things of importance happened to me in Marceline than have happened since, or are likely to in the future.“
The statue would serve as an original work of public art honoring Walt’s personal connection to Marceline and the lasting influence of his childhood here. The project would be supported through donations from Disney fans and businesses from Marceline and around the world, with the goal of creating the permanent landmark for the community and visitors to our wonderful town that inspired Walt, and others.
The Walt Statue Project is an independent civic art initiative. It is not sponsored, endorsed, approved, or licensed by The Walt Disney Company or its affiliates. No Disney characters or corporate logos are included in the proposed artwork.
You can read the project plan here. While we work through the plan, working with the City of Marceline on placement and construction needs, finding an attorney we can afford, and exploring ideas with the sculptors. During this time – before we can start taking donations – we’re hoping you’ll join the mailing list so we can reach out when we can accept tax-deductible donations.