The Design Museum in London will present the first retrospective of film director Wes Anderson’s creative output this fall. The exhibition, titled “Wes Anderson: The Archives,” will include more than 600 objects, most of which will go on display in Britain for the first time. The exhibit will showcase iconic set pieces, preparatory notes, puppets, and models from numerous films.
Some notable items on display include a miniature motorcycle that belonged to Mr. Fox in “The Fantastic Mr. Fox,” Sam Shakuski’s Scout kit from “Moonrise Kingdom,” and Anderson’s personal notebooks from “The Royal Tenenbaums.”
“Wes Anderson: The Archives” opens on November 21 and continues through July 26, 2026.
Tickets are available now on the Design Museum’s website. Anderson has established himself as one of cinema’s most influential creative voices through iconic films such as “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” His unmistakable aesthetic, characterized by symmetrical compositions, vibrant color palettes, and obsessively detailed set designs, has inspired countless filmmakers, designers, photographers, and artists across various disciplines. The centerpiece of the exhibition will be the 3-meter-wide candy-pink model of the Grand Budapest Hotel, used to create the 2014 film.
Wes Anderson’s creative world unveiled
Visitors will also encounter original storyboards, polaroids, sketches, and Anderson’s personal notebooks featuring his characteristic handwriting. The exhibition will showcase dozens of costumes, including the Oscar-winning designs from “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Among the highlights are the vending machines from “Asteroid City” and the iconic FENDI fur coat worn by Gwyneth Paltrow as Margot Tenenbaum.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate seeing “Boy with Apple,” the “priceless Renaissance portrait” from “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” which is actually a contemporary work commissioned by Anderson from British artist Michael Taylor specifically for the film. A major theme throughout the exhibition is Anderson’s highly collaborative approach. Works by his key creative partners will be displayed, including contributions from Eric Chase Anderson, Javi Aznarez, Milena Canonero, Roman Coppola, Alexandre Desplat, Erica Dorn, Mark Friedberg, Andy Gent, Juman Malouf, Roger Do Minh, Sylvia Plachy, Carl Sprague, Simon Weisse, and Laura Wilson.
The exhibition is accompanied by a comprehensive new catalogue published by the Design Museum in collaboration with Wes Anderson. The book features essays by leading design and film writers, unique photography, and interviews with the director’s collaborators, including actors Owen Wilson, Scarlett Johansson, Jason Schwartzman, and Tilda Swinton; composer Alexandre Desplat; musician Seu Jorge; and music supervisor Randall Poster. “Wes Anderson: The Archives” is produced by the Design Museum in collaboration with la Cinémathèque française and in partnership with Wes Anderson and American Empirical Pictures.
The exhibition runs from November 21 to July 26, 2026, with tickets now on sale.
