The Monsters’ 10th anniversary exhibit is kicking off in Shanghai and running until Nov. 8, 2025.
What started as a side character in a children’s tale in 2015—then became a global craze in 2024—has just turned 10. We’re talking about the ugly-cute fluffy figurine with a mischievous grin, better known as Labubu!
If you’re an avid collector, you’d know that celebrating the special occasion goes beyond hoarding the latest “Why So Serious,” “Big into Energy,” or “Pin for Love” collections. Perhaps it’s worth flying to Shanghai for, where Pop Mart is kicking off its “Monsters by Monsters” year-long global tour for The Monsters’ 10th anniversary.
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In true Labubu fashion, “Monsters by Monsters” is a whimsical and immersive exhibition for fans to gather and meet all The Monsters characters and dive deep into the story behind them. Toy makers Pop Mart and How2Work joined forces in creating this exhibit, which features monumental figures, sensory installations, and a large collection of original artworks by the franchise’s creator Kasing Lung.
Here, adults and kids are invited to go on a playful adventure through an Instagrammable path made up of over 1,100 Labubu plush dolls, arranged like a wall. More than providing the perfect backdrop for your snaps, this hypnotic installation evokes the joy fans get from immersing themselves in the world of Labubu.
In case you still didn’t know, Lung created Labubu as part of his picture book series The Monsters, inspired by his childhood dreams and Nordic fairy tales. The “Monsters by Monsters” is then taking you back to where it all started through a showcase of nearly 300 original manuscripts and sketches illustrating the evolution of the playful, elf-like creature.
One of the main stars of the exhibit is the 6-meter-tall Kingmon statue facing the Shanghai skyline and pointing at the landmark Oriental Pearl Tower.
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Of course, it would be hard to miss the massive sculpture of Labubu popping upside down from psychedlic skies, as well as the rest of Lung’s artworks displayed across galleries.
The tour ends at the wonder room, which showcases Lung’s full collection of Labubu vinyls and adjacent creations, including Mokoko, Puca, and Zimomo, all in one place.
Lung created The Monsters a decade ago based on Nordic folklore and mythology. “When I was young, I used to read many comic books, including The Smurfs. In my mind, a Smurf is a monster, but it’s a very cute monster,” said Lung. “And there’s the reason I created Labubu, because I’ve had many inspirations from when I was young, and many inspirations from The Smurfs.”
The artist revealed in a previous interview with WWD that he was amazed at how Labubu, a “side character” in The Monsters series, rose to fame and became a global phenomenon. In fact, he said that “the story is really, really dark. It’s not for children, but children can read it.”
The “Monsters by Monsters” global tour is part of the franchise’s year-long 10th anniversary celebration, which first took off with Lung’s collaboration with Moynat on a Labubu-fied set of bags, cardholders, passport covers, and bag charms. The collection debuted in Shanghai on Oct. 11, 2025, and is set to roll out in other Moynat boutiques in select cities in the coming months.
The exhibition in Shanghai has an online reservation via WeChat and the ticketing platform Damai. It will run until Nov. 8, 2026. After Shanghai, it’s heading to Beijing, Tokyo, Paris, New York, and other major cities.
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