London’s Design Museum is opening a reimagined exhibition on the career of Tim Burton, which will showcase more than 600 items from his work and films.
‘The World of Tim Burton’ will display objects from Burton’s earliest unrealised projects to his most recent film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024).
These items are on loan from the director’s personal archives, as well as film studio archives including Paramount, Amazon MGM Studios, and Warner Bros. Many of them have never been on public display in the UK before.
Highlights include hundreds of Burton’s expressionistic sketches and drawings, as well as props, set designs and costumes from his films, like Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), and Mars Attacks! (1996).
On view will be Jenna Ortega’s viral Wednesday dress, Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman costume from 1992’s Batman Returns, and the striped dress from 1999’s Sleepy Hollow, worn by Christina Ricci.
Visitors will also see a recreation of the private studio where Burton works, which offers a rare glimpse into his creative process.
The exhibition comes to London after a world tour. Since 2014, it has visited 14 cities in 11 countries. It’s first run in the UK will also be its last outing.
For Burton’s home city of London and the Design Museum, the show has been specially adapted, expanded and reimagined. Also, it includes 90 new objects, and a new soundscape by sound designed Tomi Rose. The exhibition’s finale will be a special cinema experience.
The World of Tim Burton
“It’s a strange thing, to put 50 years of art and your life on view for everyone to see, especially when that was never the original purpose,” said Burton.
“In the past, I have resisted having the exhibition in London, however, collaborating with the Design Museum for this final stop was the right choice.
“They understand the art, and with the opportunity to adapt the show and highlight the way design interacts with the works, I’ve been able to view it all through an exciting new lens.”
Maria McLintock, curator of the World of Tim Burton at the Design Museum, said: “This hugely successful show has delighted audiences across the globe for over a decade, but our Design Museum reimagining, with many new additions and new narratives, means this will be an unprecedented opportunity to be immersed in Tim Burton’s unique and singular vision.”
Tim Marlow, director and CEO of the Design Museum, added: “Our exhibition will explore his remarkable creative vision, subtly reframed through the lens of design, and give visitors a new perspective on a cinematic master.”
Presented in partnership with Harvey Nichols, the World of Tim Burton will open on 25 October.
Images courtesy of the Design Museum
