A groundbreaking immersive exhibition featuring the beloved anime series ONE PIECE has officially opened at Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology in Lower Manhattan. The expansive 11-room installation, created in collaboration with Toei Animation, invites visitors to step into the world of the iconic adventure series and experience life through the eyes of main character Monkey D. Luffy.
The exhibition centers around the Land of Wano Arc, one of the most popular storylines from the long-running anime series. Visitors can expect to encounter an array of visual elements throughout their journey, including trippy mirrors, intricate floral motifs, and dramatic dragon imagery that brings the animated world to life through cutting-edge technology.
The immersive experience begins in the Window Room, which features a spectacular circular ceiling screen that recreates the pivotal scene where the Straw Hat Crew, the series' protagonists, set sail for Wano, an isolated nation filled with samurai warriors. This opening room sets the stage for the adventure that follows, immediately transporting guests into the anime's distinctive visual universe.
Next, visitors enter the Infinite Room, which showcases a massive screen surrounded by a mirrored corridor designed to create the illusion of endless space. In this room, projections of sea and sky are reflected infinitely, creating a mesmerizing environment where guests can spot the Thousand Sunny, the series' iconic ship that serves as the Straw Hat Crew's vessel throughout their adventures.
The journey continues into the Dragon Room, arguably the most technologically advanced space in the exhibition. Here, thousands of LED neurons form a volumetric light installation that depicts the climactic battle between popular characters Zoro and King. This room demonstrates the fusion of traditional animation artistry with modern immersive technology, creating a three-dimensional representation of one of the series' most memorable confrontations.
The final destination is the Cave Room, which presents a striking contrast to the high-tech Dragon Room. This space is entirely covered in pink hydrangeas and frames a circular screen that portrays Momonosuke, a key character from the franchise, in his dragon form. The room creates a unique atmosphere where organic natural elements converge with digital artistry, symbolizing the blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary animation.
"With ONE PIECE, we're not just displaying animation; we're inviting fans to experience the artistry, imagination, and enduring spirit of the franchise," explained Roy Nachum, co-founder and creative director of Mercer Labs. To complement the immersive exhibit, Nachum has unveiled a new original oil painting of Luffy, the anime's main character. The portrait depicts Luffy standing among cherry blossoms while holding Nachum's signature gold crown, bridging the gap between traditional fine art and popular culture.
The partnership between Mercer Labs and the ONE PIECE franchise represents a natural collaboration, according to Nasir Dean, the museum's manager of special projects. "It's a legendary brand that has ignited imaginations worldwide," Dean stated. "Now, we're inviting fans to immerse themselves in its universe through a dynamic fusion of culture, technology and sensory exploration." Dean described the choice to work with ONE PIECE as "an instinctive choice," given the franchise's 25-year history of delighting viewers with tales of adventure and colorful characters created by Eiichiro Oda.
The ONE PIECE installation is currently open and will run through November 30, 2025, at 21 Dey Street in Lower Manhattan. General admission tickets are priced at $55, with discounted tickets available for children and seniors at $50. Mercer Labs operates with varying hours throughout the week: Monday through Wednesday from 10am to 7pm, and Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Visitors should plan to spend approximately 60 to 90 minutes exploring the complete experience to fully appreciate all the interactive elements and detailed installations throughout the exhibition.
