This November, the Design Museum in London will host Wes Anderson: The Archives, an exciting exhibition for film fans showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of one of contemporary cinema’s most distinctive directors. Visitors will get a rare, up-close look at over 600 objects from Anderson’s extensive archive—many of which have never been publicly displayed before in the UK. The exhibition will chart the evolution of Anderson’s creative genius, from his first short films in the 1990s to his latest work, including the Oscar-winning The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023), offering the public access to an unparalleled collection of his props, costumes, notebooks, and models.

Exhibition highlights

One of the major highlights of the Wes Anderson exhibition will be the monumental candy-pink model of The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)—an architectural masterpiece used to capture the hotel’s façade for the film. At over three meters wide, this stunning model is a perfect example of the meticulous world-building that defines Anderson’s work.

Alongside this centerpiece, visitors will discover an array of items from his films, including original storyboards and hand-drawn designs that offer insight into Anderson’s distinctive visual style, outfits worn by key characters – such as Gwyneth Paltrow’s Fendi fur coat from The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), and the costumes worn by Ralph Fiennes and Tilda Swinton in The Grand Budapest Hotel, stop-motion puppets and miniatures from works like Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) to Isle of Dogs (2018), and the ‘priceless’ Renaissance portrait featured in The Grand Budapest Hotel, commissioned specifically for the film, displayed alongside its onscreen counterpart.

A special treat for Anderson’s fans will be the screening of his 1993 short Bottle Rocket, the precursor to his first feature film. The screening will allow visitors to experience the original 14-minute cut, which stars Owen Wilson and sets the stage for Anderson’s filmmaking career.

The Evolution of Anderson’s Creative Process

The exhibition will offer a unique opportunity to delve into Anderson’s creative process. Among the rare items on display will be several of Anderson’s spiral-bound notebooks, filled with handwritten notes, sketches, and ideas that show the development of his films, from initial inspirations to final concepts.

Visitors will also get a glimpse into the collaborative nature of Anderson’s work, with materials showcasing the contributions of his trusted creative partners. Collaborators like Milena Canonero (costume designer), Roman Coppola (co-writer and frequent collaborator), and Andy Gent (puppet master) will be honoured through the display of their work alongside Anderson’s creations.

A Tribute to Collaborative Filmmaking

One of the exhibition’s central themes will be Anderson’s emphasis on collaboration. The exhibition will not only showcase finished props, sets, and costumes but will also feature work-in-progress material, maquettes, and even test pieces from stop-motion animations. This highlights the rich, hands-on techniques that Anderson continues to champion in the world of filmmaking.

Visitors will learn how Anderson builds each of his cinematic worlds from the ground up, ensuring that every object, no matter how small, is conceived and crafted as a ‘real’ object. These items might appear on screen for mere seconds, but for Anderson, they are an integral part of the storytelling process.

Tickets and Dates

Tickets for Wes Anderson: The Archives are now available for purchase. This unprecedented exhibition, a collaboration between the Design Museum and La Cinémathèque française, will offer a deep dive into the universe of one of the most visionary filmmakers of our time.

As a celebration of Anderson’s 30-year career, the exhibition will provide an unparalleled look into the design, props, and creative vision behind his films, giving fans and film lovers alike the chance to explore the world of Wes Anderson in a way they never have before.

Wes Anderson: The Archives opens at the Design Museum, London, on 21 November 2025 and runs until 26 July 2026.