studio ghibli's films and characters take over ArtScience museum in singapore

the world of studio ghibli, a major new show in singapore

For nearly four decades, Studio Ghibli has captivated the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide with its rich narratives, visual splendor, and relatable characters. On October 4th, the ArtScience Museum in Singapore launched The World of Studio Ghibli —the Japanese animation house’s first exhibition in the country—inviting fans to join beloved characters on an adventure through the fantastical realms of films such as My Neighbour Totoro (1988), Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), and Spirited Away (2001). Transforming 11 galleries and spanning two levels, the show features 16 large-scale, immersive theatrical sets, crafted on-site by a team of Japanese artists. These sets depict iconic scenes from 11 Studio Ghibli films, each reflecting the same attention to craftsmanship and narrative depth that defines the studio’s work.

Giant statue of Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (2008) | all images courtesy ArtScience Museum

celebrating the legacy of the Japanese animation house

Founded in Japan in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, along with producer Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli has created 25 visually sumptuous feature films that combine masterful hand-drawn animation, intricate world-building, rich characters, and universal themes. The studio is renowned for enchanting films that range from magical adventures to charming, grounded tales. It has left an indelible mark on the animation industry, with its films garnering critical acclaim both in Japan and worldwide, inspiring generations of animators and storytellers. Seven of its films have received Academy Award nominations, with Spirited Away (2001) and, most recently, The Boy and the Heron (2023), winning Best Animated Feature Film. Both films are featured in The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition at the spaces of ArtScience Museum.

Yubaba from Spirited Away (2001)

Additionally, Studio Ghibli has been a pioneer in portraying strong, independent, and complex female protagonists. From San in Princess Mononoke (1997), who grapples with the conflict between human progress and environmental preservation, to Chihiro in Spirited Away (2001), whose journey is one of self-discovery, the studio’s heroines are nuanced and relatable. Characters like Kiki in Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), Sophie in Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), and Nausicaä in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) face fears, confront adversity, and emerge empowered. These films have inspired generations of women and girls. The exhibition also aligns with the ArtScience Museum’s ‘Year of Extraordinary Women,’ which celebrates the stories of those who have challenged narratives, defied expectations, and transcended conventions.

Inverted model of Laputa’s Castle from Castle in the Sky (1986)

Highlights from The exhibition at artscience museum

Upon arrival at the ArtScience Museum, visitors will be greeted by a giant sculpture from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (2008), dramatically placed within the museum’s lily pond. The exhibition continues in the Basement 2 galleries with striking immersive installations inspired by Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), Castle in the Sky (1986), and My Neighbour Totoro (1988). Meanwhile, the Level 3 galleries showcase more original sculptures and theatrical sets from beloved films, including Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), Porco Rosso (1992), Pom Poko (1994), Princess Mononoke (1997), Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), Spirited Away (2001), and The Boy and the Heron (2023).

The exhibition offers numerous opportunities for fans to step into their favorite scenes and be transported into Studio Ghibli’s dazzling adventures and captivating worlds. Visitors are invited to wander through the lush forest of Princess Mononoke, explore Howl’s castle, venture down a grassy tunnel to Totoro’s cave, become a customer at Gütiokipänjä bakery where Kiki and her cat Jiji work, hop on a train with No Face, and wait in the rain with Totoro.

No Face on the Sea Railway in Spirited Away (2001)

Various art installations also drop visitors right into the middle of memorable and exciting sequences – from fleeing with Pazu and Sheeta along the railway tracks during a thrilling chase scene in Castle in the Sky (1986), to becoming part of the airship scene from Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), where visitors can take on the role of Tombo hanging from the airship or Kiki rescuing him on her flying broomstick. In addition to the theatrical sets, The World of Studio Ghibli includes 16 box art installations created by the Studio. These original works of art, produced specially for the exhibition, offer small portals into various frames from the movies, allowing visitors to take a closer look at the intricate details of the films.

First presented in Japan in 2013 before traveling 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, never-before-seen additions. It features movie frames transformed into large-scale graphics, as well as objects from the films brought to life as props for the first time. Visitors can dive deeper into the Studio’s renowned world-building, discovering elements they might have missed onscreen and looking out for easter eggs, such as local delicacies placed among No Face’s spread of food.

Both fans and newcomers can forge meaningful memories and bring home souvenirs from The World of Studio Ghibli. Unique to this iteration 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 such as 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, featuring characters from My Neighbour Totoro (1988).

The World of Studio Ghibli also includes a retail store on Level 3 offering a wide variety of official merchandise. The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of programs providing deeper insights into Studio Ghibli’s storytelling and animation techniques. On 5 October, an opening symposium featuring Atsushi Okui (Director of Digital Imaging) and Shinsuke Nonaka (Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs) from Studio Ghibli will offer a lively discussion on the Studio’s production processes, including composite and effect works, as well as rare behind-the-scenes stories from these films.

Princess Mononoke (1997) Installation

ArtScience Cinema will also host 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, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most celebrated animation houses of all time. Visitors are encouraged to stay tuned for updates, as more exciting programs and activations are expected during the exhibition run, including a film festival featuring several Studio Ghibli films screened in theatres islandwide. The World of Studio Ghibli will run from October 4th, 2024 to February 2nd, 2025.

Calcifer in Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)