The Design Museum Shop has opened its doors to LAIKA presents WILDWOOD: The Exhibition, and it is a breathtaking masterclass in cinematic craftsmanship.
Brought to you by the acclaimed studio behind Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings, this captivating showcase gathers 170 incredible artifacts straight from the studio’s archives. Visitors can get up close with early concept sketches, highly detailed costumes, intricate puppets, and miniature, hand-built sets that reveal the sheer scale of artistry required to bring LAIKA’s upcoming feature film, Wildwood, to life.
The true magic lies in the details. The exhibition bridges the gap between old-school craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, showing how mechanical armatures, rapid prototyping, custom camera rigs, and meticulous set lighting merge to create flawless stop-motion animation. It is a striking tribute to the collaborative genius of the artists, engineers, and animators working behind the scenes.
Your journey starts with a free introductory display on the museum’s mezzanine level, celebrating LAIKA’s iconic legacy with classic puppets and behind-the-scenes photography from past favourites. From there, you are transported directly into the main gallery’s main installation – a mysterious, immersive forest inspired by the richly imagined wilderness of the film.
Whether you are a lifelong LAIKA devotee, a film enthusiast, or simply curious about the creative process, this beautiful, insight-packed experience is a must-visit celebration of animation as both a profound art form and a technical triumph.
- A special thanks to Ella Eastaway for attending in collaboration with Close-Up Culture – check out more of her work
- WILDWOOD: The Exhibition runs at the Design Museum, London, until 10 January 2027.
- Wildwood hits UK and Irish cinemas on 23 October 2026
- Title image by Aaron Parsons Photography
Leave a Reply