At the exhibit, located adjacent to Bryant Park on 42nd Street and Avenue of the Americas, Lion King fans can interact with 86 museum-quality artifacts, including hand-made puppets, sculpted masks, elaborate artisan costumes and sets that have appeared in Lion King productions from around the world.

In addition to displays of early concept materials and sketches, most items featured in the 5,000-square-foot exhibit have been used in the show or will be when the exhibit concludes.

According to press notes, "Visitors will be able to get up close with items, ranging from an eight-inch shadow puppet to a 13-foot-tall elephant and a 17-foot-tall ostrich, all of which reveal the intricate design and detail that are the fruition of Julie Taymor's Tony Award-winning artistry and vision."

Additionally, touch screen tablet stations allow fans to explore what inspired the creator's imaginations in crafting the artistic elements that appear in the show, and the exhibit also allows photo opportunities with a five-foot Wildebeest mask, Madame Tussaud's wax portraits of Rafiki and Scar and the show's iconic circle image of the sun, among others.

In a series of special weekend workshops (Dec. 8-9 and Dec. 15-16), Disney teaching artists will be on-site to share an insider's look into the music, dance, design and story that form The Lion King. For event schedules, visit LionKing.com/Exhibit. To read about the musical's 15th anniversary performance, click here.

The exhibit is open to the public from 10 AM-8 PM daily. For more information, visit LionKing.com.