About the Exhibition

Following the Academy Museum’s inaugural exhibition, Hayao Miyazaki in 2021, Studio Ghibli’s PONYO will celebrate Studio Ghibli and the many elements of the traditional hand-drawn animation processes used throughout the film Ponyo (2008). The magical water worlds, the unique flowing aesthetic of hand-painted drawings, and the film’s themes of transformation, human connections, and joy will be on full display. Visitors will be invited to explore the enchanting world of Ponyo through hands-on experiences designed for all ages. These include an interactive animation table, where guests can create their own animated sequences, and a playful, immersive environment that allows younger visitors to step into the magical oceanic world of the film.

Featuring an exclusive donation of original materials from Studio Ghibli to the Academy Collection—some of which will be displayed in North America for the very first time—the exhibition will include over 100 materials that have been hand-picked by Studio Ghibli, including art boards, posters, a Studio Ghibli animation desk, and original hand drawings by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.

Studio Ghibli’s PONYO is curated by Senior Exhibitions Curator Jessica Niebel, with the support of Assistant Curator Emily Rauber Rodriguez.