The de Young Museum has opened a landmark exhibition titled 'Art of Manga,' marking the first major manga exhibition in the United States. This expansive showcase features over 600 original drawings and brings together works from multiple publishing houses under one roof, offering visitors an unprecedented look into the artistic world of Japanese graphic storytelling.
The exhibition focuses primarily on the creative process behind manga production, displaying original sketches, artistic tools, and materials used by renowned manga artists. Among the featured works are pieces from some of the genre's most iconic series, including 'One Piece' by celebrated artist Eiichiro Oda. The comprehensive display provides insight into the various artistic and narrative styles that have made manga a global phenomenon.
To accommodate both devoted manga enthusiasts and newcomers to the medium, the exhibition begins with an introductory gallery that serves as a primer on manga culture. This welcoming space teaches visitors how to properly read manga from right to left and provides clear definitions of standard manga terminology displayed on the museum walls. This educational approach ensures that all visitors can fully appreciate the artistic complexity of the works on display.
'Captivating millions around the world with dynamic graphic narratives, manga is one of the most significant visual media of our time,' said Thomas P. Campbell, Director and CEO of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. 'San Francisco has long been a gateway for Japanese cultural exchange in the United States, and we are delighted to honor this legacy by showcasing the artistry and power of contemporary Japanese narrative art in Art of Manga.'
The exhibition provides historical context for manga as an art form, explaining that the word 'manga' dates back to the 18th century and translates to 'pictures run riot.' The first key developmental phase of manga began in the 1890s, and today many popular works have been translated into numerous languages worldwide. Some of the most successful manga series, such as 'One Piece,' have achieved remarkable commercial success, selling hundreds of millions of copies globally.
A unique feature of the exhibition is the dedicated manga reading room, where visitors can interact with the works as originally intended. After exploring the galleries filled with beautiful artwork displayed on the museum walls, guests are invited to hold the actual manga volumes in their hands and read them in comfortable seating areas. This hands-on approach allows visitors to experience manga in its intended format while surrounded by the original artwork.
In addition to the main exhibition, a separate section near the Wilsey Court showcases the printmaking process used in manga production. This area is accessible to all museum visitors and does not require a separate 'Art of Manga' ticket, making it available to anyone interested in learning about the technical aspects of manga creation.
The exhibition opened with a combined member and donor opening on September 25, 2025, generating significant interest from the San Francisco art community. Tickets for the 'Art of Manga' exhibition can be reserved through the de Young Museum's official website, offering art enthusiasts and manga fans alike the opportunity to experience this historic cultural showcase.
