The story of a legendary animator who changed the course of film history, this special exhibition has been created for The Arc and drawn from the incredible archive of The Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation. 
 

Harryhausen’s innovation in stop motion had a lasting effect on viewers and filmmakers alike. His creatures – the skeletons from Jason and the Argonauts (1963), Minaton from Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977) and Medusa from Clash of the Titans (1981) - were animated in a way that had never been seen before. Tributes from filmmakers such as Peter Jackson and Aardman Animations, who cite Harryhausen’s importance, will also feature in the exhibition. 

Together with daughter, Vanessa Harryhausen, whose personal contributions will be found throughout the exhibition, we’ve selected over 70 objects to bring to Winchester. They include paintings by artists who were early influencers on Harryhausen’s art and storytelling. Through sketches and original models, the exhibition highlights the inventiveness, incredible artistry and resulting awe of Harryhausen’s career. 

The Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation is a registered Scottish charity (No. SC001419) 

 

 

Image credits: © The Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation

 

Hooray for Harryhausen: A Day of Films, Creatures & Curiosity Hooray for Harryhausen poster

To celebrate the opening of Ray Harryhausen: Myths in Motion, join us on Saturday 26 September 2026 for Hooray for Harryhausen: Films, Creatures & Curiosity - a day of screenings, exhibition tours, family activities and special guest events inspired by one of cinema's greatest visionaries.

Highlights include a family screening of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (U), exclusive exhibition tours with Vanessa Harryhausen and Connor Heaney, a children's creature-making workshop, and a special screening of The Valley of Gwangi (12A) followed by a Q&A with Vanessa Harryhausen, Connor Heaney, Mike Hankin and John Walsh.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering Harryhausen for the first time, it's the perfect opportunity to explore the exhibition, meet special guests and immerse yourself in a world of mythical creatures, stop-motion magic and cinematic adventure.

View the full Hooray for Harryhausen programme here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Harryhausen still images

Dates and times

Please click or tap the calendar icon to select your date and press 'Go' to choose available visiting times.
  1. Sat 26 Sep 2026
    9:30am
  2. Sat 26 Sep 2026
    9:50am
  3. Sat 26 Sep 2026
    10:10am
  4. Sat 26 Sep 2026
    10:30am
  5. Sat 26 Sep 2026
    10:50am
    Sold out
  6. Sat 26 Sep 2026
    11:10am
    Sold out
  7. Sat 26 Sep 2026
    11:30am
  8. Sat 26 Sep 2026
    11:50am
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