Big news for fans of Mobile Suit Gundam’s iconic plastic model kits, known as Gunpla! Bandai is launching an all-new museum in Shizuoka, Japan, set to open its doors on September 2, 2025. This isn’t just a static display; visitors will get an unprecedented look into the world of Gunpla, seeing how these beloved models are manufactured right in the factory and even getting the chance to design their very own custom kit. Plus, in great news for international travelers, the museum will offer displays and guidance in English.
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For decades, Gunpla has been a cornerstone of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise. These aren’t pre-built toys; they’re model kits shipped on plastic frames called runners. Hobbyists cut out the individual pieces and snap them together to build detailed mecha figures from the long-running anime series.
The popularity of Gunpla has exploded recently, driven by the enduring success of the Gundam anime. Demand is so high that half of all Gunpla sales now come from outside Japan, according to The Nikkei. To keep up with this global appetite, Bandai is opening a brand-new Gunpla factory at its Bandai Hobby Center in Shizuoka. The new museum will actually be housed within this factory, occupying the second and third floors.
Bandai Hobby Center Plamo Design Industrial Institute Museum concept image
Step Inside the Factory: See How Gunpla Comes to Life
Named the Bandai Hobby Center Plamo Design Industrial Institute Museum (or BHC PDII Museum), the facility offers a unique peek behind the curtain. Large windows will line parts of the museum, allowing visitors to look down onto the factory floor. You’ll be able to witness the intricate process of Gunpla kits being molded from plastic and then packaged, offering a fascinating glimpse into the manufacturing magic.
Design Your Dream Gundam
But the experience doesn’t stop at watching. The museum includes an interactive Laboratory Area, giving visitors a hands-on opportunity to understand and participate in the Gunpla creation process. Here’s where it gets really exciting:
- Customize Your Kit: Using digital screens, you can select the colors and sizes for various pieces of a Gundam model.
- Layout & Packaging: Design how the parts are arranged on the plastic runners and even create custom packaging for your unique creation.
- See it Made: While you won’t do the molding yourself (that requires specialized machinery!), Bandai staff will perform the injection molding for your designed runner plate.
- Take it Home: You’ll get to take home the packaging you designed and the actual plastic runner plate containing the parts of your custom Gunpla design.
- Monthly Awards: Bandai Spirits employees will pick their three favorite customer-designed Gunpla concepts each month, offering a chance for your creation to be recognized!
This interactive element transforms a museum visit into a personal connection with the hobby, letting you appreciate the design and manufacturing steps in a whole new way.
Planning Your Visit
Given the likely high interest, Bandai will require advanced reservations to visit the BHC PDII Museum. With the opening set for September 2, 2025, the official website is planning to start a ticket lottery process on June 2 to manage demand. For the most up-to-date information and to learn more about securing your spot, keep an eye on the museum’s official English website.
Whether you’re a seasoned builder with shelves full of finished kits or just curious about how these detailed models are made, Bandai’s new Gunpla museum offers a unique blend of factory tour, historical insight, and interactive design lab. It’s a testament to the global appeal of Mobile Suit Gundam and the craft of Gunpla.
If you’re diving into the sprawling world of Mobile Suit Gundam anime and aren’t sure where to begin or what to watch next, check out our guide on how to watch Mobile Suit Gundam in order to get started.
