Los Angeles families have a joyful reason to return to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: Studio Ghibli’s PONYO, a celebration of Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved 2008 film, is on view at 6067 Wilshire Boulevard through March 21, 2027. The exhibition honors the traditional hand-drawn animation behind the story of a magical goldfish and her friendship with a young boy, and it was designed from the start as a cross-generational experience.
Inside, visitors will find more than 100 rare materials hand-picked by Studio Ghibli, including art boards, posters, a Studio Ghibli animation desk, and original hand drawings by Miyazaki himself. The pieces come from an exclusive donation to the Academy Collection, and some are on display in North America for the very first time, revealing the flowing, painterly aesthetic that makes every frame of the film feel alive.
Best of all for younger visitors, the show is made to be touched and explored. An interactive animation table invites guests to create their own animated sequences, while a playful, immersive environment lets children step right into Ponyo’s magical oceanic world. Curated by Jessica Niebel with Emily Rauber Rodriguez, it is a happy, hands-on outing where kids can play and grown-ups can rediscover a favorite film.
Photo: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
