National Animation Museum launches digital partnership with Google Arts & Culture

The National Animation Museum has teamed with Google Arts & Culture to build its digital presence and debut a first online exhibition on IndieCade and independent video games. The collaboration gives NAM a new public platform while the museum works toward a permanent physical home in Southern California.

Why it matters: - The partnership gives the National Animation Museum a broader digital reach before the museum opens a permanent physical location. - The collaboration helps NAM showcase animation’s role in games, storytelling and creative culture to a global audience. - The museum’s first online exhibition also spotlights IndieCade as it marks its 20th anniversary.

What happened: - The National Animation Museum announced a new partnership with Google Arts & Culture on Sept. 4, 2026. - NAM will develop digital stories and maintain a collection on the Google Arts & Culture platform. - The museum launched its first Google Arts & Culture digital exhibition, “Animating Play: 20 Years of IndieCade and Indie Video Games.” - The exhibition examines the history of independent video games and IndieCade, the independent game development festival and organization.

The details: - The exhibition uses archival images, stories and other digital assets. - The digital story explores the people, ideas, games and creative movements that shaped the independent video game community over the past 20 years. - Google Arts & Culture is a Google nonprofit initiative that makes the stories and knowledge of more than 3,000 cultural institutions from more than 80 countries accessible worldwide. - Stephanie Barish, IndieCade’s CEO and founder, said the exhibition celebrates independent creators and the history of the IndieCade community. - Eddie Newquist, NAM’s CEO and founder, said digital access is central to the museum’s mission and helps connect with audiences beyond a physical museum. - California State Assemblymember Nick Schultz, D-Burbank, said the partnership helps share NAM’s vision beyond Burbank and could inspire future animators, artists and storytellers. - NAM is a California-based nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status. - The museum is currently in the planning phase for a permanent physical site in Southern California. - NAM is seeking development funding for Phase 2 of the project, scheduled to begin in 2027. - The museum says its mission is to inform, inspire and ignite passion in current and future generations about the art and science of animation.

Between the lines: - The Google Arts & Culture deal gives NAM an early proof point as it builds institutional credibility and public awareness. - The IndieCade exhibit positions animation as part of a wider conversation about interactive media, not just film and TV. - The partnership also signals that NAM is leaning on digital programming while it works through the slower process of building a physical museum.

What's next: - NAM will continue adding digital stories and collection items to its Google Arts & Culture presence. - The museum will pursue Phase 2 development funding ahead of its planned 2027 start. - NAM is still working toward a permanent museum in Southern California. - More information is available on NAM’s Google Arts & Culture page and the first published digital story.

The bottom line: - NAM is using a major digital platform to build audience, credibility and momentum before opening a permanent home.