The Design Museum have hosted an array of filmmaker retrospectives for a number of years now, from the likes of Tim Burton to Stanley Kubrick, and currently in their accessible rooms, not far from High Street Kensington underground, the Wes Anderson: The Archives are undeniably worth exploring.

Just as welcome as Burton (reviewed here) and Kubrick (also reviewed), Wes Anderson: The Archives is packed with unique insights as it explores and celebrates the filmmakers’ extensive, personal archive. This is also surprisingly the first exhibition that’s dedicated to his cinematic inspiration and invention, and with over 30 years of detail, whatever your favourite Wes – or however you got into his work – it’s very likely you’ll find your favourite here.

Back in 2022, I’d visited his The French Dispatch exhibit in 180 Strand in London, see a bit more here, and that was packed with original set designs and background information, so I had high hopes for Wes Anderson: The Archives because I’d been given a good look at the level the filmmaker goes to, with all of his collaborators. This new showcase covers everything from his early days on stage, working with Owen Wilson all the way back in 1990 on a play called A Night in Tunisia, right through to his most recent release; 2025’s The Phoenician Scheme.

When you first step inside the red-themed Wes Anderson: The Archives, you’re greeted with a wall of behind-the-scenes polaroids; black and white photos of him and others at work, and a brief history of Anderson’s journey into world of film including Bottle Rocket and Rushmore. For me, like many I’d think, it’s The Royal Tenenbaums that captured the imagination and the essence of Anderson began to grow. You’ll also find the charming duo of The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and The Darjeeling Limited, the gorgeous Fantastic Mr. Fox, the nostalgic, youthful Moonrise Kingdom, right through to the epic The Grand Budapest Hotel, a second venture into stop motion with Isle of Dogs, his tribute to New Yorker The French Dispatch, a theatre-like ensemble in Asteroid City and The Phoenician Scheme.

The exhibition offers an easy walk-through setup that’s all on one level with accessibility directly from the main foyer. While it’s sold in timeslots, and it is best if you prebook, you’ll get plenty of time to amble forwards at your own leisure. While I would recommend trying to avoid weekends if it’s possible, that’s not because it’ll be too hectic but more so because you’re more likely to avoid any crowds – which is a personal inclination. One of the best things about Wes Anderson: The Archives is that, like exhibits before it, if you’re a fan of the film or filmmaking itself, this undoubtedly offers an insight beyond the final product.

There are reportedly over 700 objects to enjoy, which includes storyboards, paintings, puppets, miniature models, original costumes, props and a wide range of wonderful stop motion characters – right there in front of you (big love for Fantastic Mr. Fox and the detail of Isle of Dogs bang in the middle). It celebrates the nature of collaboration within creativity. Even early on in his career, Wes made sure he was including local artists of all kinds in his filmmaking, and you’ll see first-hand examples of these ventures. In fact, you’ll get to see something from any of his films, directly there in front of you. Also, keep an eye out for the screening room just before you head into the dedicated shop, as there’s a selection of short films showing on a constant loop!

For me, Anderson is all about the intrigue and intricate, and while his aesthetic is certainly ‘known’ now – let’s not forget the social trends all connected to Accidentally Wes Anderson – it can’t be understated over how much work and detail, and creative people, come together to make these wonderful inventive worlds come alive, whether stop motion or in person. Wes Anderson: The Archives not only presents many of these objects in Britain for the very first time, but it also takes us on a journey through the evolution of his work, and long may that continue – it’s an absolutely cussing great way to spend your time.

Wes Anderson: The Archives is on at The Design Museum now, until 26^th July, produced in collaboration with la Cinémathèque française

Book your tickets: https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/wes-anderson-the-archives