On a recent visit to Santa Monica, I stumbled upon an exhibit I might have missed had I not been exploring the Santa Monica Promenade. As I wandered down the Promenade, past the usual retail spots, I noticed vibrant artwork adorning the windows of a building. The images, depicting multiple colorful hotels, immediately caught my eye and reminded me of something familiar. Instantly, I thought, “This looks like the hotel from Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
For anyone who has seen the movie or any Wes Anderson film, his distinctive style is unmistakable. The hotel in the film is known for its striking architecture, blending pastel colors and intricate details with a grand façade that reflects a whimsical and opulent aesthetic. Intrigued, I had to enter the building to see what this was all about—and I was not disappointed.
The exhibit, titled “Accidentally Wes Anderson,” was a delightful surprise. Stepping inside felt like entering one of Anderson’s meticulously crafted worlds. The collection featured photos of real-life locations from around the globe that uncannily mirror the filmmaker’s signature aesthetic—symmetry, pastel hues, and a sense of nostalgia that transports you to a whimsical, almost otherworldly, place.
One of the most captivating images was of a pastel-colored train station nestled in the Swiss Alps, its symmetrical design and mountainous backdrop immediately evoking the atmosphere of Anderson’s films. Another standout was a seaside hotel in the South of France, its faded yellow façade and striped awnings radiating a timeless charm reminiscent of The French Dispatch. These places, though not originally intended to mimic Anderson’s style, naturally encapsulated the visual and emotional appeal that makes his films so beloved.
The exhibit’s origin story is as fascinating as the photos themselves. It all began with an Instagram account (@accidentallywesanderson) created by Wally Koval in 2017. The account quickly gained a following as people worldwide submitted photos of locations that looked as if they belonged in a Wes Anderson film. This community-driven project has since evolved, transforming from a digital phenomenon into a tangible, immersive experience that invites visitors to see the world through Anderson’s unique lens.
As I walked through the exhibit, I reflected on why Wes Anderson’s style resonates so deeply. His films do more than showcase visually stunning scenes; they capture the charm of life’s quirks and the beauty of everyday places. The exhibit perfectly encapsulated this essence, turning ordinary locations into extraordinary works of art.
Santa Monica, known for its vibrant and eclectic cultural scene, was the perfect setting for this exhibit. The Promenade, with its blend of retail, art, and entertainment, provided an ideal backdrop for such a unique artistic expression. Discovering this exhibit added a layer of serendipity to my visit, prompting me to see the city’s surroundings in a new light—one where the whimsical and the ordinary intersect in the most delightful ways.
For fans of Wes Anderson or anyone who appreciates art that celebrates the idiosyncrasies of life, the “Accidentally Wes Anderson” exhibit is a must-see. And as you explore the rest of the Promenade, keep an eye out for other unexpected artistic gems—Santa Monica is full of them.
For future tour dates, visit www.accidentallywesanderson.com.