Where: Marina Bay Sands ArtScience Museum
When: Oct 4 to Feb 2, 10am to 7pm
Studio Ghibli, the animation studio behind masterpieces such as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Totoro brought its enchanting world to Singapore! Whether you are a long-time fan or new to Studio Ghibli, this is an experience not to be missed. Here’s everything you need to know and how to make most of your visit.
Highlights of the Exhibition
Here’s a quick highlight of The World of Studio Ghibli:
Life-Sized Displays
Pose with Totoro at the bus stop, explore Kiki’s Delivery Service bakery, or wander through the lush forests of Princess Mononoke. These recreations are perfect for Instagram-worthy moments and a chance to feel like you’re part of the story.
Exclusive Artwork
View rarely seen sketches, concept art, and storyboards that reveal how Studio Ghibli’s timeless movies were created.
Interactive Zones
Whether it’s recreating scenes or participating in craft workshops, these activities are a treat for fans of all ages.
Merchandise
Don’t miss out on the exclusive Studio Ghibli merchandise available only at the exhibition. From plush toys to art prints, there’s something for every collector.
Without further ado, let’s begin!
Book your tickets in advance before you arrive, tickets tend to get sold out quickly on the day itself. You may purchase the ticket through the Marina Bay Sands website or directly from Art Science Museum; you can select your preferred date and timeslot.
Pss, don’t say we don’t share. If you are a Sands Lifestyle member, you may get a concession discount!
As we have arrived slightly before the stated time, we decided to chill at a cozy-looking cafe at the entrance, Miracle Coffee.
Miracle Coffee is owned by famous popstar, JJ Lin. There have a decent selection of coffee, food and pastries. We tried the checkerboard cake as it was the most visually appealing – a classic butter cake dressed in the colors of Miracle Coffee.
The World of Studio Ghibli
The exhibition starts from Basement 2 and continues at level 3; you can start from either floors. Upon entering, you will be greeted by a wall of Studio Ghibli films.
It was hard to choose a favorite film but there are two where you can get a life size photo op with.
My Neighbor Totoro
As with most exhibits, it starts off with the inspiration of the movie, the story, characters, the people who made it happen and some trivia of the movie.
Moving on, you can also catch a life-size recreations of some memorable scenes.
There are several hands-on activities, including making your very own Totoro origami; you can bring it home as a souvenir or use it as a bookmark, or even hide a note and gift it to a friend.
Take a break from all the walking and fold your very own Totoro origami!
Head towards Tsukamori to find Totoro; the tunnel makes use of foliage and lighting to mimic sunrays. Queues are generally a 30min to 45min wait, the museum staff will inform you of the waiting time.
Following the path, you will be lead to a giant tree trunk sculpture where you can find a sleeping Totoro. One tip will be to have someone in the line, so that both of you can swap places to view and look around the structure.
You can see Totoro sleeping and hear it breathing
Finally, the iconic bus stop scene! Pick up the red umbrella and pose next to Totoro. Staff at the museum were super friendly, they will help you take photos and they take a lot. If you are with a friend, they will also teach you how to pose so that both of you gets captured in this scene.
Moving on to level 3, the exhibit starts off with Nausicaa: Valley of the Wind, Porco Rosso, Pom Poko, Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Spirited Away.
Spirited Away
The final exhibition was dedicated to Spirited Away, here you can find Yubaba’s Bathhouse, town when the spirit comes out, Yubaba’s office and the scene where No Face created a mess.
If you noticed, you would realized that No Face is having some of our local foods like durian, laksa, chicken rice…
The exhibition ends of with the train scene to Zeniba’s house, where you can get a picture with No Face.
All good things come to an end, but not here. Upon exiting, you will enter the merchandize shop. You can find some of the Studio Ghibli merchandize, a Peranakan, Singapore-exclusive inspired skirt and many more.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy the experience:
Book Tickets in Advance
This is a highly anticipated event, so securing your tickets early is essential to avoid disappointment.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Weekdays or early mornings are the best times to avoid crowds and fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Dress Comfortably
The exhibition might involve some walking, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Plan for Photos
Bring a good camera or ensure your phone has enough storage. Many areas are designed for photography, and you’ll want to capture every magical moment.
Final Thoughts
More than just an exhibition, it is a celebration of the art of storytelling, imagination and childhood memories. Whether you’ve grown up watching these films or are introducing them to the next generation, this event is a chance to experience the magic up close.
Get ready to be transported into the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Have you visited Studio Ghibli Singapore? Share your experience in the comments below!
Leaving you with more pictures and the magical experience:
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