Ghibli Museum
Planning for the museum began in 1998. Construction started in March 2000. The museum opened on the 1st of October 2001. Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki designed the museum himself. He used storyboards similar to the ones he creates for his films. The design was influenced by European architecture such as the hilltop village of Calcata in Italy. The museum features internal and external spiral staircases built from iron. Interior bridges stretch throughout the building's height. These characteristics are meant to reflect Miyazaki's building designs displayed in his film work. His aim was to make the building itself part of the exhibit. He wanted the museum to be an uplifting and relaxing experience that makes you feel more enriched when you leave than when you entered. Photography and video recording is prohibited inside because the museum is described as a portal to a storybook world. Let's get lost together is the museum's slogan derived from Miyazaki's vision for visitors to immerse themselves in his imagination.
On the bottom floor of the museum is an exhibit room showing the history and science of animation. It includes a three-dimensional zoetrope named Bouncing Totoro with models of characters from My Neighbor Totoro released in 1988. On the first floor is a mock-up of an animation studio called Where a Film is Born. This five-room exhibit showcases the creative process of an animation filmmaker including illustration techniques. Packed with books and toys, the room also displays drawings and illustrations that cover the walls. Another exhibit demonstrates the process of creating an animated film with sketches, storyboarding, keyframing, cleanup, coloring, and background painting. The space functions as both a classroom and a gallery for visitors to understand how animation comes to life. Visitors can see the physical steps taken by animators before digital tools became dominant.
In addition to Ghibli-oriented exhibitions, the museum hosts an area showcasing work from other studios. A table lists specific dates and titles for these temporary shows. From 2004 to 2005, Pixar Animation Studios received their own exhibition space. Between 2006 and 2007, Aardman Studios focused primarily on their work on Wallace and Gromit. The period from 2003 to 2004 featured works by the Russian animator Yuri Norstein. In 2008, Panda! Go, Panda!, one of Miyazaki's and Isao Takahata's early pre-Ghibli films from 1972 was shown. The schedule continued through 2016 with various curated themes like The Haunted Tower. These rotating displays allow the institution to engage with global animation history beyond its core collection. Each exhibition runs for roughly one year before being replaced by new content.
Located in the basement is the Saturn Theater which has windows where automated shades lower and open before and after each showing. This design choice exists because Miyazaki designed the theater with small children in mind who could possibly be scared of the closed-in space. The museum shows one of several exclusive short films in this venue. These screenings differ from standard cinema experiences due to the intimate scale and specific architectural features. The films are also screened at the Cinema Orion in the Grand Warehouse section of Ghibli Park in Nagakute. The Saturn Theater remains a unique destination for families seeking original animated shorts not available elsewhere. Its operation reflects a commitment to preserving the legacy of Studio Ghibli's shorter works.
Tri Hawks is a reading room and bookstore opened on the 6th of February 2002 filled with books recommended by Hayao Miyazaki. The name Tri Hawks comes from a translation of Mitaka, the city where the museum is located, meaning three hawks. Mamma Aiuto sits on top of the museum as a souvenir shop named after the band of sky pirates in Porco Rosso. It sells classic and non-Japanese animated movies under the Ghibli Museum Library label. The Straw Hat Café serves hot and cold food, snacks, and desserts created with help from a housewife and mother of four. An original alcoholic beverage called Valley of the Wind beer was sold at the takeout section in collaboration with Dairy Kingdom Oratche. Gorō Miyazaki, Miyazaki's son who is an animation director at Studio Ghibli, hand-drew the beverage's label. A playroom for children aged 12 and under features a stuffed Catbus toy slightly reduced from its original scale to fit inside. On the roof is a garden with a life-size five-meter-tall statue of a robot from Castle in the Sky made by Kunio Shachimaru.
Tickets to the Ghibli Museum are only accepted if bought in advance. They range in price from ¥1,000 for adults to ¥700 for 13-18-year-olds. Prices drop to ¥400 for 7-12-year-olds and ¥100 for 4-6-year-olds. Younger children can enter the museum for free. In February 2020, the museum closed temporarily as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It re-opened to Mitaka residents only in July and fully in September. The ticketing system ensures controlled entry while maintaining accessibility across different age groups. This approach has allowed the institution to manage crowds effectively since its opening date of the 1st of October 2001. The museum continues to evolve its operations based on public health guidelines and visitor demand.
Common questions
When did the Ghibli Museum open?
The museum opened on the 1st of October 2001. Planning for the museum began in 1998 and construction started in March 2000.
Who designed the architecture of the Ghibli Museum?
Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki designed the museum himself using storyboards similar to his films. The design was influenced by European architecture such as the hilltop village of Calcata in Italy.
What is inside the Saturn Theater at the Ghibli Museum?
Located in the basement, the Saturn Theater has windows where automated shades lower and open before each showing. This venue shows exclusive short films that differ from standard cinema experiences due to its intimate scale.
Which studios had temporary exhibitions at the Ghibli Museum between 2004 and 2007?
From 2004 to 2005, Pixar Animation Studios received their own exhibition space. Between 2006 and 2007, Aardman Studios focused primarily on their work on Wallace and Gromit.
How much do tickets cost for adults at the Ghibli Museum?
Tickets range in price from ¥1,000 for adults to ¥700 for 13-18-year-olds. Prices drop to ¥400 for 7-12-year-olds and ¥100 for 4-6-year-olds while younger children enter for free.