The timeless worlds of Studio Ghibli, known for its enchanting animated films, have come to life at Singapore’s ArtScience Museum. This exhibit is nothing short of magical for fans of My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and other masterpieces.
A fusion of art, film, and fantasy, the Studio Ghibli showcase at the ArtScience Museum transports visitors into the heart of the Japanese animation studio’s richly imagined landscapes and endearing characters.
What to expect
As one of the museum’s largest showcases, this immersive experience spans 11 galleries across two levels, with 16 grand-scale theatrical sets that bring iconic scenes from 11 beloved Ghibli films to life. Each set has been meticulously crafted on-site by a team of Japanese artists, handpicked by Studio Ghibli for their dedication to detail and storytelling.
The exhibition experience
Upon entering the ArtScience Museum, visitors are greeted by an enchanting scene from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (2008), where a giant sculpture from the film sits dramatically within the museum’s serene lily pond. This sets the tone for the immersive journey ahead, beginning at Basement 2, where striking installations from Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), Castle in the Sky (1986), and My Neighbour Totoro (1988) transport guests straight into the heart of these iconic films.
Level 3 continues the adventure, featuring original sculptures and detailed theatrical sets from beloved Ghibli classics such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), Porco Rosso (1992), Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001), and the studio’s newest release, The Boy and the Heron (2023).
Visitors are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the enchanting worlds created by Studio Ghibli. Whether wandering through the lush forest of Princess Mononoke, venturing down a grassy tunnel to Totoro’s cave, or becoming a customer at Gütiokipänjä Bakery from Kiki’s Delivery Service, the exhibit offers endless opportunities to step into the heart of these magical adventures.
Fans can also experience the adrenaline of a thrilling chase scene from Castle in the Sky or join Kiki as she flies her broomstick to rescue Tombo hanging from an airship, making this exhibition a hands-on and exhilarating tribute to Studio Ghibli’s storytelling.
The exhibit also features 16 intricate box art installations created specially by Studio Ghibli, offering visitors intimate glimpses into the films’ most intricate details. These mini-worlds, paired with life-sized sets and easter eggs (such as local delicacies hidden among No Face’s banquet), allow fans to discover new layers of magic.
Take home a piece of Studio Ghibli’s magic
Fans and newcomers can create lasting memories at The World of Studio Ghibli with interactive activities like drawing soot sprites, writing Totoro-inspired gratitude notes, and crafting a thaumatrope. The experience wraps up at a retail store offering official Ghibli merchandise.
Complementary programmes for The World of Studio Ghibli
The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition offers a range of exciting programs that delve deeper into the studio’s storytelling and animation techniques. Visitors can enjoy free screenings of two documentaries at ArtScience Cinema, including Kazuo Oga – Ghibli’s Image Artisan – The Artist Who Made Totoro’s Forest (2007) and The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013), offering rare glimpses into the studio’s creative world. More events, including a Ghibli film festival, will be announced during the exhibition’s run until 2 February 2025.
