About the exhibition
Four and a half years after the Academy Museum’s inaugural exhibition, Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli’s PONYO celebrates Studio Ghibli and the traditional hand-drawn animation featured in its beloved 2008 film. Discover the unique, flowing aesthetic of this hand-crafted cinematic art, and the film’s themes of transformation and human connection, through interactive 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 are on display in North America for the very first time—the exhibition includes more than 100 rare materials 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.
Related Events
Screenings
Ponyo in 35mm
Ponyo focuses on the friendship between 5-year-old Sosuke and a magical goldfish named Brunhilde, the young daughter of a sorcerer father and a sea-goddess mother. After wandering away from her father’s four-flippered submarine, Brunhilde washes ashore and is discovered by the curious Sosuke. Now renamed Ponyo, she forms a quick bond with Sosuke that fuels her yearning to be a real girl, and together they shoulder the cost of what that might take. The vibrant and colorful hand-drawn animations are a delight for audiences of all ages, as Hayao Miyazaki builds a world filled with magical goldfish, spellcasters, and sea goddesses in this tale of how friendships can blossom anywhere—even in the ocean’s depths.
35mm
Screenings
Ponyo in 35mm
Ponyo focuses on the friendship between 5-year-old Sosuke and a magical goldfish named Brunhilde, the young daughter of a sorcerer father and a sea-goddess mother. After wandering away from her father’s four-flippered submarine, Brunhilde washes ashore and is discovered by the curious Sosuke. Now renamed Ponyo, she forms a quick bond with Sosuke that fuels her yearning to be a real girl, and together they shoulder the cost of what that might take. The vibrant and colorful hand-drawn animations are a delight for audiences of all ages, as Hayao Miyazaki builds a world filled with magical goldfish, spellcasters, and sea goddesses in this tale of how friendships can blossom anywhere—even in the ocean’s depths.
35mm
Screenings
Ponyo in 35mm
Ponyo focuses on the friendship between 5-year-old Sosuke and a magical goldfish named Brunhilde, the young daughter of a sorcerer father and a sea-goddess mother. After wandering away from her father’s four-flippered submarine, Brunhilde washes ashore and is discovered by the curious Sosuke. Now renamed Ponyo, she forms a quick bond with Sosuke that fuels her yearning to be a real girl, and together they shoulder the cost of what that might take. The vibrant and colorful hand-drawn animations are a delight for audiences of all ages, as Hayao Miyazaki builds a world filled with magical goldfish, spellcasters, and sea goddesses in this tale of how friendships can blossom anywhere—even in the ocean’s depths.
35mm
Conversations
Community Conversation: Representation in Animation
Angela Sanchez of LatinX in Animation and Austin Faber of Black N’ Animated discuss the past, present, and future of their communities’ voices in animated film.
Shop the Exhibition
Supported By
Studio Ghibli's PONYO is generously supported by GKIDS. Additional support provided by The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles. Academy Museum Digital Engagement Platform supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Technology solutions generously provided by Panasonic.