The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has announced new exhibitions to open in 2026.
New exhibitions include Studio Ghibli’s PONYO, an exploration of Hayao Miyazaki’s Ponyo (2008), focusing on the animation process and highlighting a donation of original production materials that Studio Ghibli made to the Academy Collection; Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon, a centennial celebration of iconic actor Marilyn Monroe that examines many facets of how she created and shaped her public image through a stunningarray of original screen-used costumes, photographs, personal items, and more; and Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA, a traveling exhibition that explores the groundbreaking work of LAIKA, and dives into the technology and artistry of stop motion animation through its filmography, including Coraline (2009), ParaNorman (2012), and Kubo and the Two Strings (2016).
Amy Homma, Academy Museum Director and President, said:
“This incredible array of exhibitions demonstrates how the Academy Museum collaborates with filmmakers, studios, and collectors to bring to life the most compelling histories of cinema. We all look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to celebrate their favorite films and be introduced to new behind-the-scenes stories.”
Studio Ghibli’s PONYO
Following the Academy Museum’s inaugural exhibition, Hayao Miyazaki in 2021, Studio Ghibli’s PONYO celebrates Studio Ghibli, and the many elements of the traditional hand-drawn animation processes used throughout the film Ponyo (2008). The magical water worlds, the unique flowing aesthetic of hand-painted drawings, and the film’s themes of transformation, human connections, and joy will be on full display. An interactive animation table for visitors to create their own animated sequences will be featured, along with an immersive play environment geared towards our younger visitors to immerse themselves within the world of Ponyo.
Featuring an exclusive donation of original materials from Studio Ghibli to the Academy Collection— some of which will be displayed in North America for the very first time—the exhibition includes over 100 materials that have been 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. The exhibition runs from February 14, 2026–January 10, 2027.
Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon
Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon is an exhibition celebrating Marilyn Monroe—born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926—as a visionary actor and image-maker, examining the many facets of how she created and shaped her public image in the context of the classical Hollywood studio system.
Presenting hundreds of original objects, including posters, portraits, photographs, production documents, letters, and rarely seen personal materials—many of which will be on display for the first time—the exhibition will give unique insight into her agency in becoming a Hollywood icon.
The exhibition also features an extensive display of Monroe’s screen-worn costumes, ranging from a dress featured in Love Happy (1949) to items from her final and unfinished film, Something’s Got to Give (1962). Major highlights include two costumes by Orry-Kelly from Some Like it Hot (1959), as well as the rarely exhibited famous pink dress by William Travillafrom Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953).
Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon is curated by Associate Curator Sophia Serrano, with the support of Curatorial Assistant Simran Bhalla. The exhibition runs from May 31, 2026–February 28, 2027.
Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA
Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA explores the groundbreaking work of LAIKA, the award- winning studio known for its wildly creative, enduring, and innovative films including Missing Link (2019), Kubo and the Two Strings (2016), The Boxtrolls (2014), ParaNorman (2012), and Coraline (2009). For two decades, LAIKA has revolutionized stop-motion filmmaking, marrying this venerable art form with trailblazing technology to tell unique, compelling stories that move audiences around the world.
The exhibition immerses visitors in LAIKA’s creative process through behind-the-scenes photography, video clips, and artwork from the films. Explore the production design, sets, props, puppets, technology, and costumes that have become the studio’s hallmarks.
Founded in 2005 just outside Portland, Oregon by Travis Knight, the globally renowned and award-winning studio LAIKA is devoted to telling original, enduring stories and bringing these tales to the widest possible audience. LAIKA innovates and combines the latest emerging technologies with timeless techniques to create state-of-the-art classics Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA is a traveling exhibition co-produced by LAIKA and MoPOP.
The exhibition runs from December 13, 2026–September 9, 2027.
