THE DESIGN MUSEUM, KENSINGTON, HOSTS THE CINEMATIC ARCHIVES OF AMERICAN FILMMAKER, WES ANDERSON

By Georgia Chapman | @georgia_chapman99 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I don’t often quote George Clooney, but when I do, it’s when he’s playing a fox, a Fantastic Mr Fox.

WHO IS WES ANDERSON?

Wes Anderson is an American Filmmaker who’s work transcends a usual cinema experience. A fantastic word for his style would be ‘quirky,’ the films are usually lighthearted in energy and tone, but have an undertone of politics, grief and injustice. When you see a Wes Anderson film, it’s very easy to know it’s his, as it’s laced with eccentricity.

Also, if you think ‘wow he must really like Owen Wilson’, it’s actually because they attended the University of Texas together. From there they created their short film, Bottle Rockets, which was picked up by Director James L. Brooks to make their first feature film. And the rest is history.

THE ARCHIVES

“I can neither comprehend nor describe what occurs behind a kitchen door.
I have always been content to enjoy the issue of an artist’s talent without unveiling the secrets of the chisel or the turpentine.”
The French Dispatch, 2021

Just as above, I will not unveil the artist’s secrets, but I shall explore the experience.

Walking into the red labyrinth of rooms, you are immediately met with polaroids and stills from Wes’ first short film. On the walls, you can see his first pencil-drawn storyboards, showing Wes Anderson-esque style camera angles and dialogue. What really resonates with you is how human the pieces of A4 paper are. On some papers, you can see scrawlings of Wes’ mind with scribbles or even full sections crossed out, accompanied by ‘this will probably be cut.’ What makes this piece so important to the archive is how every director can start with a piece of paper and a story.

The exhibition follows a linear timeline of Wes’ films, each section delves into the scene, filled with props, images, stop motion characters, music, clips from the films and costumes. Though the space feels small, you are able to stop and take in each image and item shown – just be aware of your surroundings. I was pleasantly surprised with how busy it was on a Sunday, two months into its run. I never felt claustrophobic or rushed, and was able to examine each object as we needed. What really stood out for me was the giant replica of The Grand Budapest Hotel, showing the intricate details that went into the creation of the hotel. Also, The French Dispatch section displayed costumes and props from the film with a beautiful backdrop of the paintings ‘Simone, Naked, Cell Block J, Hobby Room’ from the film, created by real-life artist Sandro Kopp.

ATTENDING THE ARCHIVES

“This name will no doubt be familiar to the more seasoned persons among you”
The Grand Budapest Hotel, 2014

Although it helps to do your due diligence, attendees do not have to know every nook and cranny of Wes Anderson’s filmography. The week before I visited, I watched a film every evening. Starting with The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), then The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), The French Dispatch (2021) and finished it off with The Darjeeling Limited (2007). Honestly, a splendid time was had.

My friends who joined me had only watched a couple of his films, but were blown away by the vibrant colours within the costumes and scenes, and the intricacies of the stop motion characters. Tammy, 26, found it “well presented and appealing to the eyes,” can’t really ask for more from an exhibition dedicated to cinema.

In an age of ‘second-screen cinema,’ Wes Anderson continues to command his audience to stop, watch and enjoy. With subtle humorous expressions, stellar casts, and multiple interesting film styles and camera techniques, he keeps your eyes on the screen and bums on seats.

As we were leaving, we heard a few “we did good” with unanimous nodding from members of the public. So if you’re looking for something ‘good’ to do, Wes Anderson: The Archives should be at the top of your list.

WEBSITE

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Tickets
Adult tickets – from £19.69
Children aged 6 to 15 – from £9.84
Under 6s – free
Concession/Student tickets – from £14.77
The Design Museum Members – free

Run Time
21 November 2025 – 26 July 2026

Dates and Times
10:00 – 17:00 (Monday to Thursday)
10:00 – 18:00 (Friday to Sunday)

Location
224 – 238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG