New York City’s Mercer Labs has partnered with Toei Animation to launch an interactive installation based on the widely acclaimed anime series ‘One Piece.’
This collaboration aims to create a unique experience that highlights and celebrates the vibrant world of ‘One Piece,’ infused with cutting-edge technology and artistic expression.
Mercer Labs, located at 21 Dey St., opened its doors in 2024 and has quickly become a hub for innovative art experiences. Known for previous collaborations with celebrities such as Doja Cat, Robert De Niro, and the Tribeca Film Festival, the museum features 15 installations that blend technology and art.
Roy Nachum, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Mercer Labs, expressed excitement about the new installation, stating, “It’s a new museum that basically has 15 installations. It has different technologies that allow us to create new art that’s been done before or new art that we are doing right now; it just takes it to the next level.”
The latest installation, titled ‘ONE PIECE x MERCER LABS,’ spans across 11 rooms, showcasing the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates as they embark on their journey in the Land of Wano Arc.
When visitors first enter the space, they are welcomed into the Window Room, where the Straw Hats are depicted setting sail for Wano. Following this, guests can enjoy an expansive room featuring swings, which display dynamic scenes from the show, including battles involving Monkey D. Luffy, the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, against Kaido, the fearsome captain of the Beast Pirates.
Each room in the installation highlights different facets of the Land of Wano, showcasing its rich narrative and artistic styles in an immersive format. Notable highlights include the Infinite Room—a dazzling mirrored corridor that captures the Straw Hats’ ship, the Thousand Sunny, on the open sea.
Also featured is the Dragon Room, where visitors can witness the intense confrontation between Zoro and King, alongside a sound room that immerses guests in the soothing sounds of the ocean. The Cave Room, adorned with pink hydrangeas, plays clips of Momonosuke in his dragon form, creating a captivating atmosphere.
Nachum emphasized the importance of collaboration in this project, stating, “We’ve been working directly with the ‘One Piece’ team. This is a true collaboration, and with their vision and our vision, we see basically eye to eye. We just put this thing that came to life, so we didn’t compare it to other genres.”
He elaborated that the installation is designed to be an engaging experience for everyone, saying, “You don’t need to know ‘One Piece’ to enjoy the show. I feel like this is the discovery moment of walking through the space and seeing anime in different forms with different technology.”
For those unfamiliar with the series, Nachum assures that the exhibition provides an ‘escape’ into a dreamlike experience where visitors can appreciate the artistry of anime without prior knowledge.
Tickets for ‘ONE PIECE x MERCER LABS’ are available for purchase, priced at $55 for general admission, $50 for students, seniors (65+), and youth tickets, while VIP options are available for $75.
The VIP tickets come with additional perks including a complimentary mochi, a customized beverage, and a commemorative poster, enhancing the overall experience for fans and newcomers alike.
As Mercer Labs continues to push the boundaries of interactive art, this installation serves as a testament to the merging of technology and storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on beloved narratives like ‘One Piece.’
The exhibition not only celebrates the essence of anime but also encourages exploration, creativity, and inspiration for all who step through its doors.
image source from：amny
