Le Rex Expo, 1993

For the “Grand Opening” in March of 1993 of the newly restored premiere movie palace, Le Rex, pride of Paris - the equivalent of Hollywood’s Chinese Theater, the Basmajian family was asked if they would consider exhibiting some pieces of Disney Animation artwork that the family still retained after the famous Christies auction in December, 1984 in New York. To coincide with the “Grand Opening” and the showing of a classic Disney animated film, the artwork would be displayed in the main balcony of the theater on the second floor. The sponsors, Pierre-Dominque Vitoux and Jean-Michel Zylberman, were especially hopeful that Edna Basmajian, the then 80-year old widow of the late John Basmajian, would be able to attend the opening, which ultimately she did but with some trepidation at first.

The sponsors rolled out the red carpet: she was wined and dined, interviewed on French television, and was guest of honor at this historical event. “A wonderful time in my life, she remarked later on, a time I’ll never forget, I didn’t think Paris would be like that…. I felt like I was at home. Everyone was so gracious and nice to me...…..plus, I made new friends!”

The exposition was quite a hit. It was another first; Jean-Michel Zylberman explained that original vintage Disney production animation and related art had never been exhibited before in France. And as a result, new appreciation for this art form and its creators had been kindled there.