This Studio Ghibli Exhibit Is Now Open in Visa-Free Thailand
No need to go to Japan!
(SPOT.ph) Have you always wanted to step into the scenes of some of the most beloved Studio Ghibli films? From now until the end of September, you don’t need to go all the way to Japan to do so as centralwOrld in Bangkok, Thailand is hosting The World of Studio Ghibli’s Animation Exhibition. It features 3D installations and interactive activities of everything Studio Ghibli in more than 1,800 square meters of space.
Though it’s smaller than the Ghibli Museum and Park in Japan, the Bangkok exhibition’s claim-to-fame is that it’s the studio’s biggest exhibition in Southeast Asia and debuts the Laputa installation from the film Castle in the Sky.
What to see at The World of Studio Ghibli's Animation Exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand:
Before you get too excited, get a pamphlet at the exhibition entrance so you can participate in the stamp-collecting activity as you walk through the 3D installations, light and sound displays, optical illusions, dioramas, and interactive displays. What do you get after collecting all 10 stamps? Just a sense of fulfillment, we guess.
As soon as you enter the exhibition hall, you walk through a silhouette cut-out of Totoro, then a huge collage of scenes from various Studio Ghibli films—a preview of what awaits you inside. A little steps further, you see some of the studio’s iconic movie posters.
A hall dedicated to Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind greets guests with a large scene captured from the 1984 post-apocalyptic anime fantasy film. This leads to a small room where you can watch a documentary on Hayao Miyazaki, founder of Studio Ghibli.
Up next is a space for Howl’s Moving Castle, where you can find—well, a moving castle and a replica of the kitchen from the movie. You can take a selfie with Markl and have fun trying to find Turnip Head.
At the Castle in the Sky section, you can pose like Pazu as Sheeta seems to fall from the sky. There is also a light-and-sound display depicting one of the most action-packed scenes in the film. And make sure to check out the huge flying island of Laputa.
At the Kiki’s Delivery Service section, you can take a photo of Osono’s bakery, where you can also see Kiki behind the counter. You can ride on Tombo’s flying bike; or recreate that pivotal scene with Kiki and Tombo and the airship “Spirit of Freedom.” Don’t skip taking a selfie with Jiji, who’s high up on a shelf.
Did you know that the film Porco Rosso was originally produced with Japan Airlines? You can take photos with Porco chilling outside a tent and, at another backdrop, flying his plane.
The most popular section is—without a doubt—that of the film My Neighbor Totoro. Who doesn’t love them some Totoro, after all? Watch for tiny characters painted on the walls. You can also walk through an immersive forest designed with light and shadows; then, take a peek at the hole of a huge tree trunk, where you can find small, medium, and big Totoros. And of course, take some snaps with the iconic red umbrella alongside Totoro at the bus stop.
The award-winning (and often overlooked) film Pom Poko is depicted in life-sized displays of a cabin in the woods, with some of the shape-shifting tanuki raccoon dogs. If you’ve seen the environmental film, you’ll be utterly amused by the film loop. Look out also for the interactive display that lets you “transform” the magical tanukis.
The Princess Mononoke section features a huge projection of scenes from the film. Transported to the late Muromachi period, you can also take selfies in front of the installations featuring San.
At the Spirited Away section, you can see the difference between the drab abandoned Japanese theme park and the exciting world of spirits as you witness the 3D installation of Chihiro stepping across the bridge. Take photos inside Yubaba’s office and the bathhouse during the aftermath of Kaonashi’s (No-Face) debauchery. But the most sought-after photo op here is on the train, sitting beside Kaonashi.
As your last stop, drop by the huge installation of Ponyo on a Cliff by the Sea outside the mall. It faces the covered walkway leading to Erawan Shrine.
Should you have watched all the featured Studio Ghibli films before coming to the exhibit? Not necessarily, as there are boards introducing each film, with a synopsis and list of cast and crew, before each section (in Japanese with English translations). But it would be more enjoyable if you did because you would be able to relate, for example, to the videos they show in the Pom Poko section and know how to pose with the props in the Kiki’s Delivery Service section.
How much are the tickets to The World of Studio Ghibli's Animation Exhibition:
Tickets are priced at THB 650 (roughly P1,050) each. The VIP package, which is inclusive of an exhibition program, costs THB 1,290 (roughly P2,080). You may purchase tickets at the venue or online through Thai Ticket Major's website.
Should you purchase tickets online?
If you’re planning to visit during the weekends, it’s best to buy your tickets in advance. Take note that there’s a service charge of THB 30 for online purchases. Otherwise, on weekdays, the queue is short.
Is the VIP package worth it?
If you’re a big Ghibli fan and you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, then you’re better off zooming past the crowd with VIP access. However, the program is also available for purchase at the Studio Ghibli gift shop located just beside the ticket counters.
Operating hours of The World of Studio Ghibli's Animation Exhibition:
You can choose to access the exhibition between two time periods: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. You are only allowed access within each time period. And once you leave, you cannot re-enter. Doors close 30 minutes before the end of each time period.
You may take photos and videos but without the use of flash. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed.
How to get there:
Ride the elevator straight up to the seventh floor of centralwOrld, which is near the Siam and Chit Lom BTS stations in Bangkok. Then, keep an eye out for the posters and floor decals that will point you in the direction of the escalator that will lead you directly to the ticket counter and Studio Ghibli souvenir store. In case you need to ask for directions from staff members, just ask for: Studio Ghibli Exhibition. The escalator is very close to the Living House store on the seventh floor.
The World of Studio Ghibli’s Animation Exhibition runs until September 30 at 8/F centralwOrld, 999/9 Rama I Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, Thailand. Admission fee is THB 650 (roughly P1,050). For more information, visit Thai Ticket Major’s website.