An exhibition celebrating the enduring legacy of the Japanese anime series Grendizer is set to open in Doha on December 10, offering fans an immersive experience that spans generations. The Grendizer Xperienz will take place at W Doha in West Bay, showcasing the series’ cultural impact across the Arab world and its continued appeal to new audiences.
The event aims to reconnect adults who grew up watching Grendizer with younger visitors discovering the franchise for the first time. Mohamed Jaidah, executive director of Jaidah Group and one of the event organizers, emphasized the educational aspect, noting that the exhibition will highlight traditional hand-drawn animation techniques used during the 1970s through the 1990s, before the rise of computer-generated imagery.
“This will allow a younger generation to see how animated shows and movies were created back in the day,” Jaidah said, underscoring the uniqueness of presenting the series beyond its status as a television program. The exhibition will feature immersive environments inspired by Grendizer, including rare and distinctive items sourced from the Arab world, France, Japan, and Italy, reflecting the franchise’s broad international footprint.
French producer Jeremy Cerrone, founder of Prime Prod and a key figure behind the project, described the exhibition as a celebration of Grendizer’s role in popular culture. Cerrone began developing the concept in 2019, following discussions in Japan with the series’ intellectual property holders. After launching the experience in France, the initiative has toured various countries before arriving in Qatar.
The decision to bring the exhibition to Doha materialized after Cerrone met Jaidah during a 2023 event in Riyadh marking the reboot of the series. “I discovered how much Qatar’s audience loves Grendizer,” Cerrone said, highlighting the enthusiasm shared by local partners as a driving force behind the project.
The exhibition will also include a retail area offering themed merchandise, further engaging fans. The event is supported by a number of local and international organizations, including Qatar Museums, Doha Film Institute, Geekdom, Al Jaidah Group, and PRIME PROD.
Abdulla al-Mosallam, founder of Geekdom, characterized the collaboration as an opportunity not only to bring the Grendizer experience to Doha but also to expand Geekdom’s cultural outreach within the region.
Since its first broadcast in 1975, Grendizer has held a prominent place in the Arab world’s popular culture, with many viewers recalling the adventures of the iconic giant robot hero. The upcoming exhibition in Doha seeks to preserve this legacy while introducing it to a new generation through a blend of nostalgia, education, and interactive engagement.