Bandai is opening a new Hobby museum in Shizuoka, Japan, on 2 September this year, allowing visitors to not only learn about the history of plastic model kits like Gunpla and how they’re made, but also design their own Gundam model kits to take home.
The Bandai Hobby Center Plamo Design Industrial Institute Museum (or BHC PDII Museum for short) will be opening at the Bandai Hobby Center building in Shizuoka, Japan, and will feature a “Study Room” to learn about the history of plastic model kits, alongside windows to give visitors a first-hand look into the Gunpla making process, offering them a glimpse of the kits being made and packaged in the factory.
Additionally, the museum experience will also include an interactive Laboratory Area, where visitors can try their hands at creating their own customised Gunpla kits, from choosing the colours and sizes of each piece of their Gundam creations using a screen, to laying out the pieces on their plastic runners and even designing their Gunpla’s packaging. Museum staff will then handle the injection moulding process for visitors to bring home their unique creations. What’s more, each creation will be graded, and Bandai Spirits employees will select the top three kits each month for an award.
Visits to the BHC PDII Museum will require advanced reservation, with a ticket lottery beginning on 2 June due to the expected high demand. Non-Japanese speakers don’t have to worry either, as all museum displays and guidance will also be available in English.
The BHC PDII Museum will open at the Bandai Hobby Center building in Shizuoka, Japan, on 2 September 2025. More information can be found on the museum’s official website.
Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.
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