Disney’s House of the Future

Disney’s House of the Future

Science June 30th 2009 by Christopher via Gorilla's Don't Blog

This is the House of the Future (or Plastic House of the Future) at Disneyland, California circa 1957 – where you could get a glimpse of what the future held in technology and comfort in the year 1986. Look at all those fancy buttons all over the place, I crave more buttons in my apartment too!

Many things would probably be regarded as somewhat retro-future kitschy today, but one gadget that was eventually invented was the microwave oven. The house was open until 1967 when the it was demolished to make room for other projects. Parts of the construction was so sturdy seeing it was rated for earthquakes it was impossible to remove it and couple of the remaining pillars for the house can now be seen in Neptune’s Grotto.

About the author

Christopher founded Ultra Swank in 2005. Has a crush on mid-century graphic design, defunct airlines, Disneyland and the Century 21 Exposition. Is a collector of easy listening music from the 60s and 70s and a Swedish expat living in Barcelona, Spain. Read more articles by me

Comments for this article

  • http://telstarlounge.blogspot.com Charles

    I love the “forward thinking” that was present in this and other “future” homes were tomorrow was more exciting than today. How unfortunate that we live in a time where the mantra is reduce, give up, downsize, embrace pain and scarcity, and in general anticipate a dim future. Maybe we need to start dreaming again.

  • http://www.ultraswank.net Chris

    I totally agree with you Charles! We need more forward thinking and start dreaming about tomorrow again. I guess that’s what this blog is all about.

  • http://coolnessistimeless.blogspot.com Keith

    I love this. I’d really dig having a pad like that.

  • http://www.cynthiatom.com/ cynthia

    Can I use this little disney video clip for an art installation I am doing is SF, CA?

  • http://www.ultraswank.net Chris

    Cynthia, I do not own the copyright to these videos so you will have to check with the owners.