You’ve probably seen videos of Studio Ghibli exhibitions circulating around TikTok and Instagram, displaying huge film sets from the films in countries like Thailand and Ghibli Park in Japan. While we might not have been able to have those experiences or visit Ghibli Park in Japan, there’s an exhibition in Singapore right now.
From 4th October 2024 to 2nd February 2025, The World of Studio Ghibli will be making its way to our very own ArtScience Museum. If you are a big Ghibli fan and want to be immersed in the most realistic film sets, mark this down in your calendars.
For those who don’t know, Studio Ghibli is an animation studio that has produced 24 feature-length films, of which many of them have won prestigious awards such as 2 Oscar awards for Best Animated Feature and the Japan Academy Prize. Films such as Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle were ranked Japan’s top-grossing films and have done well internationally.
Many of the themes in these movies revolve around overcoming our human struggles and addressing issues like environmentalism. The storytelling used was able to captivate their audience through the studio’s unique art style, eccentric characters, and the magical worlds they had created.
Covering 3 levels at the Artscience Museum, The World of Studio Ghibli has a total of 11 galleries, displaying 16 large-scale theatrical sets from films such as the magical creatures in Princess Mononoke and the forests of My Neighbor Totoro. On the fourth level, 2 free documentaries related to Studio Ghibli will be screened and open to public.
The exhibition is filled with interactive box art pieces that are related to the films, and also has many trick-eye installations for you to take fun pictures at.
Wall at exhibit entrance.
Image credit: Brandon Chia
Before you enter the exhibition on level B2, you’ll spot several TV screens at the entrance playing iconic moments from the Studio Ghibli films. Don’t be too entranced by this wall, as it’s only meant to be a sneak peak of the many exciting things the exhibit has to show.
As you enter the exhibition, you’ll be warmly greeted by the exhibition’s “hall of fame” showcasing every movie the studio has released, since Castle in the Sky dating back to 1986. Take a trip to the past as you’ll spot posters of old-time favourites like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind to the latest The Boy and the Heron.
The very first gallery you’ll see is Howl’s Moving Castle, with the main highlight being the large-scale moving castle. The detail on this moving machine will leave you in awe, with even the smallest features like the gas pipes pumping as it walks on its four legs.
Image credit: Brandon Chia
You’ll also notice that there are small painting-like fixtures on the walls beside the exhibit, which you can interact with to get a truly immersive experience. Most of these fixtures contain dialogue from the films, and you can relive watching those moments by interacting with the wheels and buttons. Be sure to look out for these exhibits as they will be spread out throughout the museum.
As you venture further up, you’ll enter a room simulating the interiors of Howl’s castle residence. You’ll be able to see sculptures of iconic characters such as Sophie Hatter and Howl himself, along with realistic sets of their furniture, books and houseware laying around. Don’t forget to warm up your hands at Calcifer’s fire pit, which is by the way a great spot to take your IG pics.
Next up, you’ll be entering a gallery with sets from the film, Castle in the Sky. The most eye-catching thing here would be a girl seemingly floating up in the air, and it’s actually depicting a moment where Sheeta fell from the sky. Go to her rescue by extending your hands out, you might just save a life today.
Another exhibit you cannot miss from this gallery would be the set where Pazu is rescuing Sheeta from the hands of an evil robot. Every small detail is beautifully designed here, from the flying machine to even the debris below the falling castle.
Get transported to the world of My Neighbour Totoro, as you’ll be walking through a path with real leaves shading you from the sunlight. If your eyes are sharp, you’ll spot small adorable soot sprites hidden among these leaves, a creature that also made an appearance in Spirited Away.
Once you exit the tunnel, you’ll find yourself in Totoro’s Cave. Take a peek through one of the cave holes and you’ll see Totoro taking an afternoon nap, his belly moves too.
Advancing past the cave will bring you to yet another cute Totoro, taking shelter from the rain beside Satsuki. There’s an extra red umbrella provided for your photos, so don’t worry about bringing your own.
On Level 3, you will immediately catch a glimpse of Nausicaä on her plane upon exiting the lift. Accompanied by grand Studio Ghibli music, you’ll be surrounded by two huge storyboards with information on 2 films, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and The Boy and the Heron.
Next, you’ll be seeing sets from the film, Porco Rosso. Set in the context of World War 1, you’ll see Porco seated comfortably with a book in his hand and his bright red plane parked beside this exhibit.
The next gallery depicts sets from a film called, Pom Poko, one that not many of us have heard of before as it was released in 1994. Say hi to the friendly tanuki here, or raccoon dogs which are situated around this wooden house. There are interactive box art pieces here and even a TV, if you can make out what’s being broadcasted.
A gallery you cannot miss out on is the one for Princess Mononoke, a film that is widely loved by fans for its impactful message on environment conservation efforts. Apart from sets of the characters here, there is a huge screen here that periodically shows mythical creatures “roaming” the place. When the screen is not playing in the dark, you’ll see a deer behind the translucent screen once the lights are back.
The next gallery is a fan-favourite as well, showcasing the world of Kiki’s Delivery Service. This is definitely one of the more fun galleries to explore, bringing you face-to-face with Kiki’s shop and the pastries inside.
There’s also a section where you can pose with a real broomstick, as you chase down a hot air balloon in the bustling City of Koriko.
You know the saying, “Leave the best for the last”? That’s exactly what this exhibition did by placing Spirited Away as the last gallery. The first thing that you’ll see is the iconic bathhouse that Chihiro works at. You’ll want to stay a while and admire this one, as every detail like the windows, railings, and structures are built to the finest detail.
If you remember the scene where No-Face accompanied Chihiro in the train ride, you now have the chance to bring your fantasy to life and ride on that same train. This picturesque spot is probably the most popular throughout the entire exhibit, so get your cameras ready.
Apart from admiring and posing beside the well-crafted installations of the Ghibli films, you can also partake in folding cute Totoro-themed origami. You can also write personal letters to a friend or loved one beneath the origami paper, serving as a simple but great gift. This booth can be found at the My Neighbor Totoro gallery, where there is a comfy tatami room for you to indulge in your craft.
At the Spirited Away gallery, you can also draw soot sprites on the paper provided while soaking in the ambience of a boiler room. There are different coloured pencils and even instructions on how to draw various types of sprites.
If you want to imprint the memory of this exhibition forever, head to the merchandise shop and get yourself some Studio Ghibli-themed souvenirs. A cute No Face Bean Bag Soft Toy will set you back $37.30, while a Dai-Totoro Plush costs $47.10.
You can also purchase their Logo T-Shirt ($30), which are available in black and white variations while spotting the Studio Ghibli name. The shop sells almost everything, from books to tote bags and totoro-shaped hats ($62.20), with prices ranging from $23.70 to $146.50.
With several life-sized installations of adorable Studio Ghibli characters, film sets, and exclusive merchandise, making a trip to The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition is definitely worth your time. Tag a friend along so that you can take all the pictures you want, this will be an unforgettable experience for both fans and for those who haven’t watched the movies before.
Location: ArtScience Museum
Date: 4th October 2024 to 2nd February 2025
More Ghibli content:
Photography by Jaslyn Tan.
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