Studio Ghibli comes to Paris for an exceptional exhibition dedicated to Isao Takahata, the co-founder of the famous Japanese animation studio.
This retrospective, presented at the Maison de la culture du Japon in Paris (15ᵉ arrondissement), opens its doors from October 15, 2025 to January 24, 2026.
It promises an immersion into the poetic, humanistic and deeply moving universe of the master behind such masterpieces as Tomb of the Fireflies and My Neighbors the Yamada.This exhibition is a veritable journey through more than fifty years of career, bringing together original drawings, celluloid, preparatory sketches and never-before-seen videos taken directly from Studio Ghibli’s archives.
A rare opportunity for animation fans and the curious to go behind the scenes of a unique artistic universe.
📍 Practical information
The exhibition will be held at the following address: Maison de la culture du Japon à Paris, 101 bis Quai Jacques Chirac, 75015 Paris.
- Dates: from October 15, 2025 to January 24, 2026
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Price: €7 (full price) / €5 (reduced price for students, senior citizens, etc.)
- Access: Metro Bir-Hakeim (line 6) or RER C Champ-de-Mars – Tour Eiffel
To make the most of your day, remember to book your tickets in advance.
And if you’d like to discover other cultural experiences in Paris, check out our guide 👉
https://www.city-paris.fr/?=sorties-paris.
🎨 A plunge into the Ghibli universe
The exhibition offers a chronological tour of the major stages in Isao Takahata’s career.
From his beginnings at Toei Animation in the 60s to the creation of Studio Ghibli, each room transports you into a different universe, blending gentleness and commitment.
You’ll discover original sketches of Heidi, Girl of the Alps, scenes from the legendary Tomb of the Fireflies and a reconstruction of Takahata’s office.
Visitors can also admire extracts from rare interviews and an immersive space projecting landscapes from The Tale of Princess Kaguya.
Every detail, from sound to drawing, bears witness to the director’s philosophy:
to show beauty in the simplicity of everyday life.
Film lovers will be moved, families will marvel, and the curious will be won over by the visual and emotional richness of the exhibition.
🏨 Where to stay near the Ghibli exhibition
The 15ᵉ arrondissement is packed with comfortable hotels just minutes from the House of Japanese Culture.
Here’s a selection of ideal addresses to suit your budget and desires:
- Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel: modern 4★ hotel offering exceptional views of the Eiffel Tower. A 5-minute walk from the exhibition site.
- Hôtel Gustave: an elegant, quiet boutique hotel, perfect for a romantic stay just a stone’s throw from the Bir-Hakeim metro station.
- Hôtel Eiffel Petit Louvre: a great choice for budget travelers, with comfortable rooms and a hearty breakfast.
- Hôtel Duquesne Eiffel: a 3★-star establishment with a classic ambience, some rooms offer a splendid view of the Iron Lady.
These hotels offer excellent value for money in terms of location, and are within easy reach of other Paris landmarks such as the Champ-de-Mars, Musée d’Orsay and Trocadero.
🧳 My personal experience at the exhibition
During my preview visit, I was instantly transported into a world that was both tender and melancholy.
Right from the entrance, Joe Hisaishi ‘s music accompanied visitors, creating an almost magical atmosphere.
I found myself looking at the preparatory drawings for Le Tombeau des Lucioles: simple, fragile, but with an overwhelming emotional power.
Looking at the storyboards, I realized how meticulously every shot and every look of the characters had been thought out.
Further on, a reconstruction of Takahata’s office gave the impression of stepping back in time:
brushes, sheets of paper, handwritten notes on the wall… it was all there.
After the visit, I strolled along the Seine, then returned to my hotel Gustave to write my impressions in a notebook.
In the evening, a dinner near the Champ-de-Mars, facing the Eiffel Tower, was the perfect way to round off the day.
It’s this combination of art, emotion and Parisian gentility that makes this exhibition unforgettable.
🧭 Practical tips for your visit
- Arrive early (before noon) to avoid the crowds.
- Allow 1h30 to 2h for the complete visit.
- Book your tickets online to guarantee entry.
- Bring a sketchbook if you like to draw: inspiration is everywhere!
- Combine the tour with lunch on the quays or at a nearby café.
- For families, the area is safe and pleasant on foot.
📷 Exhibition must-sees
Don’t miss:
- The section devoted to The Tale of Princess Kaguya and its superb watercolors.
- Exclusive videos retracing the Takahata-Miyazaki collaborations.
- Original sketchbooks and the official Ghibli boutique at the exhibition exit.
- An immersive wall featuring hand-drawn landscapes of rural Japan.
❓ FAQ – Ghibli exhibition in Paris
🕐 What’s the ideal length of visit?
Allow around 1h30 to 2 hours to fully enjoy all the rooms, videos and immersive spaces.
🎟️ Can tickets be purchased on site?
Yes, but we strongly recommend booking online. Weekend slots often sell out several days in advance.
👨👩👧 Is it suitable for children?
Absolutely! The exhibition has been designed to appeal to all ages. Younger visitors will appreciate the animations and colorful decor.
📸 Can we take photos?
Photos are only allowed in the reception and ambience areas.
Original works of art may not be photographed for copyright reasons.
🏨 What are the nearest hotels?
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, Citadines Tour Eiffel andHôtel Gustave are among the best choices for accommodation just minutes from the exhibition venue.
📅 When is the best time to visit?
Tuesday or Wednesday mornings, to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take time to appreciate every detail of the works on display.
🏁 To sum up
The Studio Ghibli – Isao Takahata in Paris exhibition is much more than just a cultural event: it’s a plunge into the poetry, sensitivity and humanism of a timeless artist.
Accessible to all, it will take you on a journey between Japan and France, dream and reality.
For a complete stay, stay nearby and explore the surrounding area: between culture, gastronomy and strolls along the Seine, the Ghibli magic will live on in your memories.