If you’ve been falling head over heels down the rabbit hole of TikTok’s latest Wes Anderson trend (I know I sure have!), then here’s a pop-up exhibition that you will definitely not want to miss. To commemorate the cinematic release of the writer and director’s eleventh feature film, Asteroid City, a Wes Anderson exhibition has landed in London to immerse guests in the world of the new movie. And now, due to huge demand, the grand Budapest Hotel exhibition has extended its stay through to the end of the month.
Naturally, we had to go along and see it for ourselves. And maybe try our hand at the director’s unique cinematic aesthetic:
The exhibition focuses on Asteroid City (sorry Fantastic Mr. Fox fans!), which takes place in a fictional American town out in the desert, around the middle of the 1950s. The story revolves around a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention that is “spectacularly disrupted by world-changing events”.
Tickets to the exhibition are priced at £15pp, with under-12’s getting in for free and concession tickets running just £9. Originally, the exhibition was slated to come to a close on July 8, but due to huge popularity, they’ve been kind enough to extend their dates through to July 30. So, if you haven’t been yet – go, go, go!
What to expect
The exhibition comes courtesy of a partnership between Universal Pictures UK and 180 Studios. Original sets, props, miniatures, costumes, and artwork from the film immerse guests in the 1950s desert landscape of the film. Throughout, installations also surround visitors with the visuals and sounds of the movie.
Visitors can also dine out at the fictional 1950s diner featured in the film, the Luncheonette. They’ve got some pretty fantastic Americana grub – including some super retro-looking milkshakes!
Naturally, there is also plenty of limited-edition merch with which you can flaunt your love of the film and director. Among the choice merch will be t-shirts, totes, screenplays, and even a vinyl record with tracks “Dear Alien (Who Art in Heaven)” and “You Can’t Wake Up If You Don’t Fall Asleep”.
Where to see the Wes Anderson exhibition
The Wes Anderson Asteroid City exhibition takes place at 180 Studios at 180 The Strand. Previously, 180 Studios was also the site of exhibitions for Anderson’s The French Dispatch film and Isle of Dogs.
The Asteroid City exhibition is running from June 17-July 30, between 12 and 7pm each day.