Yoshitaka Amano's Pandora drawings circle the gallery like an ancient frieze, a series on the Greek myth of the first mortal woman by the artist behind Final Fantasy and Vampire Hunter D. It is his first institutional solo show in New York, and the library adds Angel's Egg material and his sensual Tale of Genji illustrations. If you grew up on his character art, this free uptown opening is the one to make the trip for.
What to expect
Enter through the Broadway gate at Audubon Terrace and walk to the far end of the plaza. Inside, the Pandora series circles the gallery as a continuous band of drawings, and the Academy's library holds illustrations, animation and printed ephemera from the '80s and '90s. The Academy opens other new shows the same day, including Arakawa and Madeline Gins and Christopher Williams.
Good to know
- Take the 1 train to 157th Street or the C to 155th Street; the nearest accessible stop is 168th Street on the A/C.
- Admission to Arts and Letters exhibitions is free, with no ticket needed for individual visitors.
- Enter through the large Broadway gate between West 155th and 156th Streets and head to the far end of the terrace.
- Groups of 10 or more should schedule their visit in advance through the Academy.
- Wheelchairs are available on site; call ahead to arrange the garage entrance and elevator.
- Pair it with Arakawa and Madeline Gins: The Poetic Jump, which opens in the same building.
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Common questions
Is the Yoshitaka Amano exhibition free?
Yes. The American Academy of Arts and Letters says admission to its exhibitions and public events is free of charge.
How long is Origins on view?
The exhibition opens September 26, 2026 and runs through February 7, 2027.
What work is in the show?
Amano's Pandora drawings, plus illustrations, animation and popular materials from the 1980s and '90s, including Angel's Egg and The Tale of Genji.
