30th Anniversary Exhibition: ALL OF EVANGELION
The 30th-anniversary exhibition ALL OF EVANGELION opened at Hirakata Park in Osaka on October 18, 2026. I visited the Osaka venue for a preview before opening day.
Inside, visitors encounter a striking display of Evangelion Unit-01, an extensive collection of design and production materials, animation cels, voice-actor audition recordings, and behind-the-scenes materials from the Rebuild of Evangelion films.
I am one of the fans who watched the original 1995 TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion when it first aired. Along with scenes that brought back memories, I found myself making new discoveries: “So that was part of the design!”
What stayed with me most were the sounds of cicadas, trains, and railroad crossings echoing through the galleries. Rather than simply looking at materials, you feel as though you have stepped into the world of Evangelion. Here are the highlights in the order I experienced them while walking through the exhibition.
©カラー／Project Eva. ©カラー／EVA製作委員会 ©カラー
Sound design that draws you into the world of Evangelion
As you walk through the exhibition, the sound of cicadas seems to come from nowhere. You also hear noises reminiscent of train interiors and platforms, along with the sound of railroad crossing barriers.
Surrounded by sounds that recall the atmosphere of the anime, I found myself drawn into its world before I knew it. This is something photographs cannot fully convey, and a special part of the Osaka exhibition worth experiencing in person.
Another distinctive feature is how restrained the written explanations feel. Just as the series does not explain everything in words, the displayed materials and the design of the space leave room for visitors to form their own interpretations.
Stop in front of a drawing that catches your eye, or recall a scene from years ago. It is an exhibition best enjoyed slowly, at your own pace.
A stunning entrance: Evangelion Unit-01 appears to descend from the sky
One of the first sights upon entering is Evangelion Unit-01, displayed as though suspended in midair.
Look up and it seems to be descending from the sky. The display is impressive on its own, but at the Osaka venue, be sure to notice Unit-01’s shadow projected onto the ceiling.
Instead of looking only at Unit-01 from the front, raise your eyes to the ceiling to appreciate the entire installation.
I have deliberately left out a photo of that detail, so you can discover it for yourself at the venue.
You can step inside the frame surrounded by glowing red pillars for a commemorative photo. Seen from outside, the pillars also create an atmosphere unmistakably reminiscent of Evangelion.
After taking your picture, step back and take in Unit-01 and the entire surrounding space together.
Prologue, “Stirrings”: character, Angel, and Lilith design materials
The prologue, “Stirrings,” features a large collection of character and Evangelion design materials.
Expressions, body angles, and a wide variety of poses are on display. It is fascinating to trace the production process behind details that appear for only a moment in the finished anime.
Pay close attention to the designs for the Angels and Lilith. Handwritten notes on the illustrations reveal details of the setting that are easy to miss when watching the show.
Each drawing deserves a closer look. This section is recommended not just for longtime fans, but also for anyone who loves carefully developed fictional worlds and character designs.
Chapter 1, “Activation”: animation cels from all 26 TV episodes revive 30-year-old memories
Chapter 1, “Activation,” showcases original animation cels from the TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Animation cels are transparent sheets on which characters and other elements were painted for anime production at the time. Now that digital production is standard, being able to view so many actual cels up close is a rare opportunity.
Cels from various scenes are displayed alongside episode titles from all 26 episodes of the series, which aired from October 1995 through March 1996.
For me, this section was especially nostalgic. Looking at the cels brought back memories of following the original broadcast: “That was what happened in this episode,” and “I remember that line from this scene.”
The display also includes cels from the theatrical films Neon Genesis Evangelion: Air / My Purest Heart for You and Neon Genesis Evangelion: DEATH (TRUE)² / Air / My Purest Heart for You.
It is fun to search for a favorite episode, or to spend time with a single cel and examine the expressions and intricate coloring.
Black walls and red-lit display bases make the exhibition space itself feel stylishly immersed in the world of Evangelion.
Chapter 2, “Resonance”: a rare chance to hear voice-actor auditions
Chapter 2, “Resonance,” presents excerpts from voice-actor audition recordings as well as storyboards.
Listening to audition recordings that never appear in the finished TV anime or movies was a refreshing experience. They reveal how many steps went into developing the familiar voices of the characters we know today.
The storyboards let you follow how the creators planned each shot, including its order and composition. It offers a different kind of enjoyment from simply watching the final animation.
This chapter also brings together next-episode previews featuring Misato Katsuragi’s familiar narration. If you followed the original TV series, you may remember how eagerly you awaited each preview.
Chapter 3, “Dynamic Motion”: Rebuild of Evangelion production materials and the AAA Wunder
Chapter 3, “Dynamic Motion,” moves on to the Rebuild of Evangelion film series.
Alongside original hand-drawn artwork, the exhibition presents digitally created mechanical elements and backgrounds. After seeing cels from the TV series, the changes in animation production become especially apparent.
The care behind each hand-drawn line contrasts with the precision made possible by digital technology. Comparing the two brings the series’ 30-year creative journey into sharper focus.
Another highlight is the airborne battleship AAA Wunder (Triple-A Wunder). A 3D hologram fan displays the Wunder so that it appears to float in the air at different angles and sizes.
It has a sense of three-dimensional impact that flat design drawings cannot match. I found it hard to look away; allow some time to watch the display as the images change.
Chapter 4, “Fulfillment, and a New Pulse”: experiments in visual storytelling
Chapter 4 features original artwork, concept materials, and more from Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, the concluding film in the Rebuild of Evangelion series.
One particularly interesting production technique involves having real performers wear markers and act out scenes, then filming their movements with cameras to explore possible camera angles and editing choices. The exhibition includes video showing this process.
Real people performing in front of cameras as part of making an animated film: seeing a production approach that is not obvious from the completed movie gave me a renewed appreciation for the depth of filmmaking.
Meet Yurushito: a friendly photo opportunity in a peaceful world
In a change of mood from Evangelion’s epic and tense story, the venue also hosts meet-and-greets with Yurushito, an original character from EVANGELION STORE.
At the preview, Yurushito even struck an adorable pose with one foot lifted.
Yurushito belongs to a peaceful, laid-back world separate from the main Evangelion storyline. There is no need to worry about an attack or an AT Field, so you can stand right next to the character for a photo.
Scheduled meet-and-greet dates are October 18, 24, 25, and 31; November 1; December 19, 20, 26, and 27; and January 2 and 3, 2027.
Sessions begin at 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. on each scheduled day and last approximately 15 minutes. An exhibition ticket is required, and the schedule may change.
Tickets, exhibition dates, and access
- Exhibition: 30th Anniversary Exhibition ALL OF EVANGELION
- Dates: October 18, 2026 (Sun)–January 11, 2027 (Mon, public holiday); closed on selected dates
- Hours: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.)
- Venue: Hirakata Park Event Hall (Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture)
- Access: Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Hirakata-koen Station on the Keihan Railway
- Same-day tickets: Adults ¥2,400 / Junior high, high school, and university students ¥1,700 / Ages 4 through elementary school ¥1,100 / Ages 3 and under free
If you are visiting only the exhibition, you do not need a separate admission ticket to Hirakata Park. Combination tickets including amusement park admission are available for those who want to enjoy both. Entry on the opening day, Sunday, October 18, was by reserved date and time.
Character-inspired collaboration drinks and sweets are also sold inside the amusement park. To enjoy these, you need separate admission to Hirakata Park.
Check the official information before visiting for closure dates, ticket availability, photography rules, and other details.
View tickets and exhibition details on the official website
My impressions of the 30th Anniversary Exhibition ALL OF EVANGELION
As someone who watched the TV series during its original run, I found this exhibition to be more than a trip down memory lane to 30 years ago.
The materials demonstrate how carefully the original production team constructed the world of Evangelion.
And even as the production evolved from painted cels to digital techniques, it is clear how much effort went into making the work as compelling as possible.
Between the extensive collection and the immersive staging, the exhibition let me lose myself in the world of Evangelion. It was an exciting experience.
For my report on the merchandise and drinks, see the following article.
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