A couple of weeks ago, I was able to cross one of the biggest things off of my bucket list: I visited the Pixar headquarters! I had heard stories about how cool the place was, and it’s where many of my favorite characters were brought to life, so I just had to see it for myself. Luckily my recent trip brought me there for a tour- and left me wishing I could work there! There was a lot to see- I could talk about it for hours. Instead, here are ten of the coolest things about the Pixar campus:
1. The main building, the Steve Jobs Building, was designed by it’s namesake. He wanted there to be one place where everyone could meet up to encourage them to get to know each other. He said that unsuccessful businesses occurred when employees stayed in their offices and didn’t interact with their coworkers. To encourage people to get out of their offices on occasion, they made the mailroom and bathrooms in a central location, and also added a kitchen, a few rooms for taking a break to eat, and seating throughout the building to encourage employees to leave their offices and create in the hallways.
2. You can find Pixar cha racters throughout the campus. There are big replicas of favorites like Mike & Sully, Buzz & Woody {made of LEGOS!}, and some of the cars from Cars, but there are hidden characters, too. You can find Bullseye and Buzz Lightyear hidden on the floor, and Bo Peep and Woody are used to designate between the bathrooms. If you look closely enough, you’ll even spot the Luxo pattern in the wall! One of my favorites was the “Mine!” seagull on top of one of the buildings.
3. Creativity is encouraged. As anyone who works in a creative field knows, sometimes you just hit road blocks mentally. In order to encourage creativity to blossom, there are several ways for Pixar employees to relax, including a saltwater pool that is heated year-round. You can also find a basketball court {complete with Luxo Ball logo in the middle}, garden, soccer field, and even a hammock!
4. All the buildings are named after New York neighborhoods. The entry to the campus is on Park Ave, so they ran with it. I also spotted “West Village” and “Brooklyn” while I was there, among others. The only exception to the New York rule is the Steve Jobs Building, which was called “Main” until he passed away, at which time the building was rededicated.
5. There’s a room inside the fireplace. In one of the buildings on campus, there’s a big fireplace that’s activated by a switch. {We had a campfire around it- s’mores and all- with the director of The Good Dinosaur- more on that to come!} Behind that fireplace is a room that would be hidden if you didn’t know it was there, which is filled with memorabilia from the Oaks- the team that used to have a field where the building now stands.
6. There are giant Luxo and Luxo Ball statues- and Luxo lights up at night!
7. The wood is specially sourced. All the wood that Pixar used to build their offices came from special trees that had already fallen down or from wood that people were getting rid of. They even have art pieces made out of it!
8. Whatever the next movie coming from the studio is, you’ll find it celebrated throughout. Since The Good Dinosaur is coming out soon, there were hanging posters of the characters in the atrium {including a life-size poster of Arlo and posters that are exactly half the size of the T-Rexes} and concept art was found throughout. I even got to pose with some! {You can also find concept art from previous films scattered throughout!}
9. They have an organic garden on campus that the chefs use to make their food!
10. They have a cereal bar, and a fridge that literally has every kind of milk. I’m not sure I have to elaborate on this one.
While I was there, I got to learn more about The Good Dinosaur, which hits theaters next month {on Thanksgiving}. I’m dying to share all of that with you so keep an eye out!
The Good Dinosaur hits theaters on November 25th- in the meantime, be sure to check it out on Facebook or the official website!
What’s your favorite thing about the Pixar campus?
Jen V. says
I am jealous you got to visit Pixar! I haven’t seen one of their movies yet that I didn’t enjoy. It looks like an amazing place to work.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That is so cool. We love all things Pixar in our house.
Dogvills says
These are good (and fun) to know. We are a huge fan of Pixar movies.
Elizabeth O. says
Pixar employees are so lucky! I would die for a cereal bar and a garden where ingredients from the food I eat are grown! Love it.
Cindy (Prime Beauty) says
What a fun trip to Pixar, lucky girl!
Jeni Hawkins says
I can’t WAIT to see this movie! I’ma dinosaur nut and The Good Dinosaur looks like a BLAST! Thanks for sharing!
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
What an amazing trip! I love all things Pixar- we just went to the exhibit in Boston and LOVED it!
Liz Mays says
This really does sound like a really cool modern business place. It must have been awesome to visit and learn about the new movie.
Melinda Dunne says
That is really cool that you got to go see the headquarters it looks very nice. I bet it was a fun time.
Amanda says
Wow, this would be such a fun place to visit. I love seeing what creative spaces are like and how they are designed to boost creativity. What a fun idea to have a room inside a fire place–reminds me of Harry Potter or something.
ashleigh says
I love the hidden art fact, so cool they figured out their own way to do it. I would love to go there someday!
victoria says
What a fun place to visit. That was so cool My two boys would love Pixars
Bri says
What a wonderful fun filled day I would have at Pixar headquarters. This is such a cool experience.
Patrice M Foster says
Don’t know much about the pixar movies but you sure make it sound interesting. Will have to check out.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
That was an amazing trip you had. I would love to visit Pixar studios too. Now I feel so deprived with my current employment when I learned how cool it is to be an employee of Pixar. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Rosey says
That’s fun they named the buildings after neighborhoods. I’d love to visit too. 🙂
Tatanisha Pitts-Worthey says
Now that is totally cooolll!! Okay, I’m so jealous right now. The place looks fantastic, thank your for the photos.
Jessica Harlow says
There are so many Pixar films that are whole family favorites at our house. I have no doubt that The Good Dinosaur will join that list! This looks like an amazing event full of some really interesting visits! Love the LEGO Buzz and Woody!
Nikki says
It’s a fun place to visit for sure, my son love to come and enjoy to this exhibit!
Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says
How fun! It looks like a great place to work! I would love a heated swimming pool at an office, lol!
Maria says
How lucky that you were able to see the Pixar headquarters! I’d love to try food from their organic garden – can you imagine not having to make lunch?
Dawn McAlexander says
That looks like a really gun place to have attended. Who doesn’t love Pixar? Those little aliens are some of my favorite characters in any Disney movie.
Camesha | Mama Motivator says
What a coincidence. My husband just got passes to this movie today from work. We’re going to see it with the kids!
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
Oh Lucky you I would love love love to visit Pixar studios with my daughter.