As one of the biggest animation powerhouses, Studio Ghibli has become a household name over the years, with an enduring legacy that shattered cultural barriers and redefined new standards in the craft. In 2024, the ArtScience Museum brought its magical worlds to Singapore for the first time, and Gardens by the Bay is next to relive the experience.
Opening on 18 December, the Story of Studio Ghibli exhibition will span 3,500 square metres, making it the largest presentation to date, and feature 12 life-size recreated realms from beloved classics such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle, and The Boy and the Heron. Notable highlights among its interactive multimedia and animatronic installations include an encounter with Ohmu from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, a recreation of the Catbus-waiting scene in My Neighbour Totoro, and an eight-metre three-dimensional model of the bathhouse from Spirited Away — a world’s first.
Speaking of firsts, Singapore also marks the world premiere of the experience, and educational initiatives and learning opportunities are currently being developed. More details will be shared closer to the opening date, but they will explore themes of creativity, resilience, and environmental stewardship, which are all common topics across the studio’s works.
Tickets are now available on Klook, with prices starting from S$39 for adult citizens and permanent residents and S$29 for concession holders (seniors aged 65 and above, and children aged 3 to 12). Standard admission is categorised into two tiers: off-peak (S$49 / S$43) and peak (S$55 / S$49). Additionally, each adult ticket purchased during the Early Bird period from now till 17 December will include an exclusive limited-edition gift, while stocks last.
Event details for The Story of Studio Ghibli are as follows:
- Location: Gardens by the Bay, West Lawn, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
- Opening hours: 10am to 7pm daily
- Duration: 18 December to 4 July 2027
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
