Not just cute！？ Pingu Exhibition

Created in 1980 as a clay animation by Swiss filmmaker Otmar Gutmann, “Pingu” tells warm, humorous stories about the penguin boy Pingu and his friends that have been cherished worldwide.

With “amusement park” as its theme, the exhibition showcases valuable clay models used in actual animation production, records from the early studio, storyboards, and other production materials. Pingu’s rich expressions, the unique movements and shapes characteristic of clay, and the mysteriously communicative “Pingu language” can all be enjoyed by seeing, touching, and experiencing.

The exhibition runs from Friday, July 10, 2026 to Sunday, September 6, 2026. The venue is YURAKUCHO MUSEUM in Yurakucho, Tokyo. Open daily during the period; regular hours are 10:00–18:00 with last entry at 17:30. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; on Friday, July 10; and from Monday, August 10 to Friday, August 14, the museum is open until 20:00 with last entry at 19:30.

Exhibition highlights

Display of rare clay models and production materials

The exhibition presents precious production materials, including clay models used in actual animation production, records from the early studio, and storyboards. You can appreciate the craftsmanship unique to stop-motion animation and get a sense of the process behind the creation of Pingu’s world.

“Not just cute?!” Experience Pingu’s multifaceted charm

The exhibition also features plenty of interactive displays for play and enjoyment. From expressive faces that convey joy, anger, sorrow, and delight, to the unique movements characteristic of clay animation, and the mysteriously expressive “Pingu language”, you can savor Pingu’s depth through hands-on experiences.

Collaboration with miniature photographer and mitate artist Tatsuya Tanaka

The exhibition will also include a collaboration with miniature photographer and mitate artist Tatsuya Tanaka. In addition to the first public display of three Pingu works previously posted on social media, new pieces created specifically for this exhibition are also scheduled to be shown. Enjoy a new world of Pingu through playful miniature expressions.

A fun exhibition space themed around an “amusement park”

The theme of the exhibition is “amusement park”. In an atmosphere that visitors of all ages can enjoy, you can explore Pingu’s history, the characters, and the origins of the work. Recommended both for those who feel nostalgic and for those encountering Pingu for the first time.

What is Pingu?

“Pingu” is a stop-motion animation that originated in Switzerland. After a prototype test film was produced in 1980, it celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2025. Since 1990, the TV series has been broadcast in more than 155 countries and regions worldwide, and its warm, humorous stories are loved around the globe.

Recommended for

Recommended for those who love Pingu, those looking for an exhibition to enjoy with their children, and those interested in clay animation and character displays. This exhibition offers more than just cuteness—you can also enjoy the expressions, movements, and behind-the-scenes of the production.