In a highly anticipated event for film enthusiasts, the Design Museum in London is set to host a landmark exhibition titled "Wes Anderson: The Archives," opening on November 21, 2025. This exhibition marks the first major retrospective dedicated to the celebrated director, known for his distinctive cinematic style and whimsical storytelling.
Featuring over 600 items from Anderson's personal collection, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the creative process behind his beloved films. Highlights include a stunning three-meter-wide model of the Grand Budapest Hotel, which was crafted for the 2014 film, alongside a plethora of props, costumes, and personal notebooks that showcase Anderson's meticulous attention to detail.
Curators Johanna Agerman Ross and Lucia Savi have described their access to Anderson's archives as "unprecedented," allowing them to present a comprehensive survey of his work from the early days of his career through to his most recent projects. The exhibition will follow a broadly chronological format, beginning with his first short film, "Bottle Rocket," and culminating in his Oscar-winning short, "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar" (2023).
Among the many treasures on display will be the vending machines from Anderson's latest film, "Asteroid City" (2023), Gwyneth Paltrow's Fendi coat from "The Royal Tenenbaums" (2001), and the original stop-motion puppets used in "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" (2004). The exhibition will also feature the iconic painting "Boy with Apple," commissioned by Anderson for the Grand Budapest Hotel, further illustrating the director's unique approach to visual storytelling.
Agerman Ross emphasized the collaborative nature of Anderson's work, stating, "It really isn’t just Wes, it’s so many people that he’s gathered throughout the years and continues to collaborate with." This exhibition not only highlights Anderson's singular vision but also pays tribute to the many artists and craftsmen who have contributed to his films.
In addition to the artifacts, visitors will have the opportunity to view the 14-minute short film "Bottle Rocket," which Anderson originally created in 1993. This film, which starred Owen Wilson and served as a precursor to his feature debut, has become a significant part of Anderson's legacy.
Tim Marlow, Director and CEO of the Design Museum, remarked on Anderson's impact on cinema, stating, "Wes Anderson has created some of the most visually distinctive and emotionally resonant films of the last two decades." He noted that the exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore the intricate details that go into crafting Anderson's cinematic worlds.
As fans eagerly await the opening, tickets for the exhibition are now on sale, starting at £19.69. With its extensive collection of original props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes insights, "Wes Anderson: The Archives" promises to be a must-see for anyone interested in the art of filmmaking.
Wes Anderson has been collecting items from his films for nearly thirty years, beginning with the realization that props from his first film, "Bottle Rocket," were being sold off after production. This experience inspired him to preserve the objects that shaped his cinematic vision, resulting in the vast collection now displayed at the Design Museum.
The exhibition will run from November 21, 2025, to July 26, 2026, and is expected to draw large crowds, similar to previous successful exhibitions at the museum. With its focus on Anderson's unique creative process and his contributions to the film industry, this retrospective is sure to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
For more information about the exhibition and to purchase tickets, visitors can check the Design Museum's official website. As excitement builds for this unprecedented showcase, the opportunity to step into the whimsical worlds crafted by Wes Anderson is one that shouldn't be missed.
