Walt Disney’s Childhood Home in Chicago Open to Public for First Time

On October 14, Walt Disney’s childhood home was open to the public for the first time ever as part of an annual festival called Open House Chicago. The festival is put on by the Chicago Architecture Center, and the idea is to show off historically important architecture in the windy city. Read on to learn more about where Disney grew up!

Walt Disney’s Home

Walt Disney’s father, Elias, was a carpenter. He bought some land in the Hermosa neighborhood in 1891. A year later, he and his wife Flora constructed a cottage for $800. She even drew the architectural plans for their two-story home!

The family moved into their new home with their sons, Herbert and Raymond. Their third child, Roy, was born shortly after. They were just ordinary people who did extraordinary things. Walter was the fourth child, and he was born in the home in 1901. In 1906, his family sold the house and moved to Missouri. His beginning might have been humble, but he followed his dream and achieved great things.

The Property Today

According to the Walt Disney Birthplace Restoration website, the city of Chicago wanted to turn the house into a historical landmark in 1991. However, the homeowner didn’t allow it and the property was put at risk of demolition. The current owners are collaborating with the authorities to protect the house and return it to its original condition.

Walt Disney was the founder of the Walt Disney Company along with his brother Roy in 1923, so many felt lucky to be able to see inside his childhood home and get a glimpse of where everything began. Hopefully, more fans will be able to visit in the future!