London’s Design Museum has opened a major new exhibition honoring filmmaker Wes Anderson, marking the first comprehensive retrospective of his work ever presented in the United Kingdom. Produced in collaboration with la Cinémathèque française, the exhibition features more than 700 objects drawn from Anderson’s personal archives, many of which have never been displayed in Britain. The retrospective traces three decades of cinematic creativity, offering an in depth look at the distinctive visual language, craftsmanship and collaborative artistry behind his acclaimed films.
A Chronicle of Anderson’s Visual World
Titled Wes Anderson: The Archives, the exhibition examines the evolution of Anderson’s filmography from early projects in the 1990s to his recent productions. Visitors are invited to explore the design foundations of films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, Fantastic Mr. Fox and Isle of Dogs. The museum highlights Anderson’s ability to blend emotion, symmetry and storytelling, noting how works like The Royal Tenenbaums and Moonrise Kingdom have become defining examples of contemporary visual cinema.
Iconic Props, Costumes and Miniatures
A major centerpiece of the exhibition is the monumental pink model of the Grand Budapest Hotel, spanning over three metres and used to film the building’s exterior façade. Also on display are the Asteroid City vending machines and the FENDI fur coat worn by Gwyneth Paltrow as Margot Tenenbaum. Visitors will find an extensive collection of storyboards, sketches, polaroids, handwritten notebooks, miniature sets and original paintings that reveal Anderson’s handcrafted approach to filmmaking.
The exhibition showcases original puppets and stop motion creations, including the mechanised jaguar-patterned shark from The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Mr. Fox in his signature corduroy suit, and show dog Nutmeg alongside other miniature models. Additional objects from Anderson’s latest feature, The Phoenician Scheme, include a Dunhill pipe and a bejewelled dagger created by artist Harumi Klossowska de Rola.
Short Films and Behind the Scenes Material
The retrospective also features screenings of key short films: the original Bottle Rocket short, Hotel Chevalier (2007) and Castello Cavalcanti (2013), made with Prada. Alongside completed sets and props, visitors can view work in progress models, maquettes and other materials that illustrate the director’s commitment to traditional craft, particularly in puppetry and stop motion animation. The exhibition highlights the wide range of manual techniques that continue to define Anderson’s filmmaking identity.
With hundreds of rare artifacts and an immersive look into decades of creative work, Wes Anderson: The Archives offers a rare opportunity to experience the meticulous detail, artistry and imagination that shape the director’s celebrated films. The exhibition stands as a comprehensive tribute to Anderson’s unique place in modern cinema and design.
