Studio Ghibli’s Spirited World Is Conjured Into Immersive Art Show In Singapore

My Neighbor Totoro (1988). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

Studio Ghibli fans will be spirited away once more as the enchanting world of Hayao Mizaki and his team has come alive in Singapore’s ArtScience Museum.

Giant statue of Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (2008) outside ArtScience Museum. Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

At the new The World of Studio Ghibli retrospective, visitors now have a chance to step into the fantastical realms of beloved films like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Princess Mononoke in a wonderland of animation art filled in 11 galleries across two floors.

Chihiro standing in front of the bathhouse in Spirited Away (2001). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

Box art installation of old Sophie from Howl's Moving Castle (2004). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

16 immersive theatrical sets representing 11 films, painstakingly crafted on-site by a team of Japanese artists, invite audiences to literally walk into their favorite movie moments.

Calcifer in Howl’s Moving Castle (2004). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

Howl's Moving Castle (2004). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

Turnip Head from Howl's Moving Castle (2004). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

From surrounding themselves with the magical creatures in Princess Mononoke’s forest to taking a peek at No-Face’s feast, it’s all possible here.

Princess Mononoke (1997) installation. Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

Besides being decidedly Instagrammable, the exhibition showcases the studio’s world-building techniques, featuring movie frames transformed into large-scale graphics and props from the films brought in person for the first time. Handpicked by the animation house, the artifacts reflect the attention to detail the company started by Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki in 1985 is known for.

Pazu rescuing Sheeta in Castle in the Sky (1986). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

Inverted model of Laputa’s Castle from Castle in the Sky (1986). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

Porco Rosso (1992) remote island hideout. Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

Porco Rosso’s Savoia S-21 prototype fighter seaplane from Porco Rosso (1992). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

First-of-a-kind activity spaces allow guests to take a piece of the magic home. Near photo spots like the bus stop scene with Totoro, Satsuki, and Mei, as well as No-Face’s train moment, where the lines can get long, visitors can try their hand at folding Totoro origami or drawing the expressive soot sprites from Spirited Away instead of sprinting to the next spectacle. These interactive elements, conceived by the museum’s education team, embody the moments of leisure and reflection that are hallmarks of Ghibli’s storytelling.

Gütiokipänjä Bakery in Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

Manpukuji Temple in Pom Poko (1994). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

The World of Studio Ghibli has already captivated audiences in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Bangkok, with the Singapore iteration including new and never-before-seen additions.

A rampaging No-Face from Spirited Away (2001). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

Yubaba from Spirited Away (2001). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

“We hope that this landmark exhibition sparks joy, curiosity, and inspires people from all walks of life whether they are longtime fans of Studio Ghibli or experiencing these films for the first time,” shares Honor Harger, vice president of the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands.

No-Face on the Sea Railway in Spirited Away (2001). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

“Since the Studio began operations in 1985, we aimed to create works that were meaningful to produce, enjoyable as entertainment, and appealing to all generations,” notes Shinsuke Nonaka, vice president of business and legal affairs at Studio Ghibli. “The large-scale installations in this exhibition have been created with a focus on size and realism, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of our films.”

No-Face on the Sea Railway in Spirited Away (2001). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

Nonaka adds: “For those who have seen our films, this exhibition offers a chance to relive those experiences in a different way. And for those who have yet to see them, the carefully crafted sets can serve as a gateway to our films, showcasing the unique characteristics of our works. With many photo spots, I believe this exhibition will be enjoyed by people from all walks of life, just like our films.”

Totoro’s Cave in My Neighbor Totoro (1988). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands 

The latest edition of The World of Studio Ghibli will run at its current spot through February 2, 2025.

Bus stop scene in My Neighbor Totoro (1988). Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

The World of Studio Ghibli retail store. Image courtesy of Marina Bay Sands

[via Marina Bay Sands, images courtesy]