For nearly four decades, Studio Ghibli has captivated the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide with its rich narratives, visual splendour, and relatable characters. From now until 2 February 2025, fans can experience the magic in person at The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore.
The exhibition is organised by ArtScience Museum under the license of award-winning animation powerhouse Studio Ghibli. It is the first official Studio Ghibli exhibition in Singapore, and one of the largest exhibitions to be shown at ArtScience Museum, transforming 11 galleries spanning two levels.
At the heart of the exhibition are 16 large-scale, immersive theatrical sets meticulously crafted on-site by a team of Japanese artists. The theatrical sets depict iconic scenes from 11 Studio Ghibli films, giving visitors a truly enchanting experience. Handpicked by Studio Ghibli, each piece reflects the same attention to craftsmanship and narrative depth that permeates the Studio’s films.
First presented in Japan in 2013 before travelling to South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Bangkok, this iteration of The World of Studio Ghibli at ArtScience Museum has been redeveloped and includes many new and never-seen-before additions. It features movie frames transformed into large-scale graphics, and objects from the films brought to life as props for the first time.
Visitors can dive deeper into the Studio’s renowned world-building and discover elements they might have missed onscreen, as well as keeping a look out for easter eggs such as local delicacies placed amongst No Face’s spread of food.
Unique to this iteration of the show are three special in-gallery activity spaces conceived by ArtScience Museum’s Education team that embody the moments of reflection depicted in Ghibli’s films. Visitors are invited to slow down, pause and engage in activities ranging from drawing soot sprites featured in Spirited Away (2001), writing heartwarming notes of gratitude inspired by Totoro, and making their own animation device called a thaumatrope with characters from My Neighbour Totoro (1988).
ArtScience Cinema will also be offering free screenings of two documentaries on Level 4 of the Museum: Kazuo Oga – Ghibli’s Image Artisan – The Artist Who Made Totoro’s Forest (2007) and The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013), directed by Mami Sunada which will provide a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most celebrated animation houses of all time.
The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition ends with a retail store on Level 3 that will offer a wide variety of official merchandise.
Founded in Japan in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, alongside producer Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli has created 25 visually sumptuous feature films that combine masterful hand-drawn visuals, intricate world-building, rich characters, and universal themes.
Studio Ghibli is renowned for its enchanting films which range from magical adventures to charming tales based on everyday life. It has also left an indelible mark on the animation industry, with its films garnering critical acclaim within and beyond Japan, inspiring generations of animators and storytellers.
Seven films have received Academy Award nominations, with Spirited Away (2001) and most recently, The Boy and the Heron (2023), having won Best Animated Feature Film. The World of Studio Ghibli features both films.
Additionally, Studio Ghibli has paved the way with its groundbreaking portrayal of strong, independent, and complex female protagonists. From San in Princess Mononoke (1997) to Sophie in Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), the Studio’s heroines have inspired generations of women and girls. This exhibition complements ArtScience Museum’s ‘Year of Extraordinary Women’, which has celebrated the stories of those who have challenged narratives, defied expectations, and transcended conventions.
For more details on The World of Studio Ghibli and its programmes, please visit their official website, and follow ArtScience Museum’s official Instagram page and hashtags #ArtScienceMuseum #StudioGhibli #GhibliASM.
