The world’s best-known cartoon mouse has appeared on a multitude of toys and commercial goods since he shot to fame in 1928 in Steamboat Willie, the first ever cartoon with synchronized sound, and the innovative 1940 film Fantasia consolidated his popularity.

Highlights in this section include the cardboard Mickey in the tabletop game produced by Antoni Penas in Barcelona in 1930 and the Merrymakers, which date back to 1931 and were the most popular toy ever produced by New York manufacturer Louis Marx & Co. The Merrymakers mice were inspired by the Walt Disney cartoon character, although the toy itself was based on the big bands popular in the United States at the time, which is why the mice are dressed like members of an orchestra.

Mickey Mouse remains a source of inspiration for modern-day artists and designers.

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