The World of Tim Burton exhibition

The exhibition displays over 600 items (sketches, paintings, sculptures, costumes, props and more) from the last 50 years of Burton's creative output - including drawings from his private archive that have never been previously released to the public. The huge exhibition is divided into several rooms which charter the different stages of his career - including a poster print for a drawing competition that Burton won as a teenager. This drawing competition was commissioned by Burbank Beautiful Inc. in his hometown of Burbank with the aim of creating an eye-catching design for the local garbage collection trucks. 'Crush Litter' is the title of the poster design, for which Burton won $10.

The individual rooms are connected via expressionistic-looking corridors, which appear even more expressionistic thanks to surreal white light frames. From Burton’s first creative steps in Room 1 ('Suburban Beginnings') his early artistic endeavors, his studies at college and his time as an apprentice animator at Disney are chronicled. You can also look at his ‘travel studio’, which he has transports to wherever he currently works in his capacity as a creative director.

The exhibition offers so many highlights, one doesn’t know where to look first and as a result, can sometimes feel overwhelmed. Some of the highlights include Michelle Pfeiffer's 'Catwoman' costume from Burton's BATMAN RETURNS (1992), Christina Ricci's black and white striped dress from SLEEPY HOLLOW, and the fake scissor hand worn by Johnny Depp in EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990) and yes, they look sharp and dangerous indeed! Depp’s costume can also be admired. Another important aspect highlights Burton’s long-standing collaboration with artists from the field of costume, stage and production design. These include renowned costume designer Colleen Atwood, production designer Rick Heinrichs, architect and designer Anton Furst, and award-winning puppet makers and stop-motion animators Mackinnon and Saunders. Dolls, models and costumes are particularly interesting, especially when you compare the real size of the models with the films in which they appear. Another highlight is the so-called Burton carousel, which rotates and looks like a traditional carousel… albeit without horses. Instead, rather bizarre looking figures dangle from the carousel. Typical Burton! There even are movie posters of the director’s favorite B-movies and horror films on the wall, many of which inspired Burton in one way or another.

The final room ('Beyond Film') examines projects which Burton has produced outside the world of cinema, such as books and music videos. At the end of this particular room a black door opens and you’ll find yourself in another room where you can purchase selected souvenirs including postcards, coffee mugs, handbags, jewelry, wallets and art prints. One word of advice: you'd better bring plenty of money with you! If you feel overwhelmed by so much visual overkill, well, you can always wind down in the museum café.

THE WORLD OF TIM BURTON is an exhibition that showcases his unique design aesthetic and is definitely not to be missed! However, demand is huge, so reserve your tickets asap to avoid disappointment! The exhibition runs at the Design Museum London until April 21, 2025.