Participants of the SPIINNING ANIMATION WORKSHOP with Thomas Stellmach at the municipal museum in Kassel

Zoetrope Workshop for Families – Hands-on Animation at the Kassel City Museum

Discovering Animation History Through Play and Drawing

As part of the special exhibition “KASSEL FILMREIF!”, the City Museum of Kassel hosted a variety of events celebrating film and media. On March 11, 2023, I led a fully booked zoetrope workshop for families – offering a playful and hands-on introduction to early animation techniques and media literacy without screens.

Creative Media Learning for All Ages

This hands-on animation workshop in the museum was designed to engage families in exploring the roots of film through art and experimentation. Participants discovered how movement in film was created long before digital tools – by drawing, observing, and interacting with historical optical devices.

What is a zoetrope - and how does animation work without a computer?

The zoetrope was invented in 1834 and is one of the earliest devices used to simulate motion. By viewing a loop of illustrated frames through slits in a rotating drum, viewers experience the illusion of continuous movement – the foundation of modern animation.

Drawing Motion by Hand

Children, teens, and adults each created their own 15-frame animated sequence on a one-meter paper strip. Step by step, they explored how small changes between images can lead to fluid motion. Using authentic zoetropes and praxinoscopes, participants watched their drawings come to life – enhanced by music that matched the rhythm of the movement.

Enthusiasm for Analogue Film Tricks

The workshop quickly reached full capacity, reflecting the high level of interest from families. Participants were amazed by how easily a sequence of simple drawings could be turned into a loop-animation. The event received media coverage by Hessischer Rundfunk (regional TV), and two of the resulting animations were captured on video using original zoetropes and praxinoscopes.

Adaptable Format for Education & Culture

The animation workshop with zoetropes in the museum enables children and families to understand the basics of animation techniques through their own drawings – without a screen. As a creative offer in a museum educational context, it is ideal for museums, school projects and holiday programmes. It works beautifully for a wide range of age groups and settings – from classroom projects to public exhibitions.

Takeaway for Organizers

This hands-on animation workshop offers a screen-free, creative experience that introduces participants to the roots of filmmaking.

Whether you’re planning an educational program, a cultural event, or a family-friendly exhibition – this workshop can be tailored to your needs and audience.