Architect Breaks Down the Evolution Of Batman’s Wayne Manor | Architectural Digest

Michael Wyetzner of Michielli + Wyetzner Architects returns to AD, this time breaking down details from the many on-screen depictions of Wayne Manor - home to mysterious playboy millionaire Bruce Wayne and (more importantly) the headquarters for Batman. From the more humble depictions in comics and on television to the cosmopolitan high rise seen in 2022's "The Batman," see how the hero Gotham deserves has lived from the 1930's to now.
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[@PrefabTinyModularHomes]

If you think about it Wayne Manor really is a character in its own. Seeing the evolution of the Batman homes is fascinating. The thoughtfulness each director makes to fit the home into the tone of the movie is something I’d have never thought of.

[@b_uppy]

And most lacking adequate symbology or relating to batman lore.

[@shikaka9032]

Will the new Batman be African American? like a mermaid in a disney 2022 movie where the little mermaid who swam in salty water and at a depth where there is very little light and her skin should be white because melanin would not be produced, but Disney made her an African as if she lives in Africa with zebras .... it remains to work out the gay agenda ....

[@chongymeister14]

@@shikaka9032 wtf u smokin

[@qwertyboo]

@@shikaka9032 "her skin should be white because melanin would not be produced" SHE'S ALSO HALF-HUMAN, HALF-FISH, which also doesn't make sense? it's fantasy for a reason.

[@epicn]

@@shikaka9032 do you even care to watch the little mermaid? This clown world is not worth arguing for or against. Stop wasting your time

[@masterofallgoons]

I hope this guy does an analysis of the architecture in different depictions of Gotham City as well. That would be equally fascinating.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

This is what I'm hoping for, and I'm also hoping when it happens, he doesn't say Art Deco several times when describing the architecture and adornment.

[@masterofallgoons]

@@WitchKing-Of-Angmar - that's gonna be hard to avoid

[@thestartupspecialist]

Yeah! That would be awesome! Gotham is very captivating.

[@CaptainAmercia]

​@@WitchKing-Of-Angmar I was thinking more Gothic Revival lol

[@fantastaboygaming7503]

Also the rooftops! Batman buys some buildings to put in place safe spots he can use the grappling hook which is how in the comics it’s looks like he’s flying and can stay in the air for like 7 pages. I would love to see an analyse as to how physically possible it would to attachs things like to buildings or how strong an already existing railing or statue would hold a fully armoured Batman.

[@michaelfilofficial]

What I learned from this is that there is an interesting correlation between Wayne Manor and how accessible wealth (and the wealthy) was to the middle class. From quaint suburban home to remote castle to an apartment akin to one on New York's Billionaire Row.

[@BoitumeloMalatji]

Yup! The homes have gone from wealthy to millionaire to billionaire 😂.

[@RingoLoadagain]

Good observation! This makes me think of it in a very different way. I wonder if the filmmakers over the years had this in mind or if it just reflected the collective psyche of the times.

[@danielchae1452]

Chances are that all what's going on here is that the different productions had different budgets.

[@phuckingtroll2851]

darn inflation lol

[@henrycavillsrealmustache3553]

Well thats his apartment. In the dark knight he still has a true Wayne Manor. It burnt down im in Batman Begins and is being rebuilt. In The Dark Knight Rises he is back in the Mansion

[@Delvis343]

I look forward to all the videos with this guy. He’s an enjoyable teacher. Can’t wait for more!

[@tdiddy432]

He’s the best teacher easily So likable

[@toddjasper1]

100% agree. Super insightful. It’s so pleasing to hear someone talk about something they’re really passionate and knowledgeable about

[@michlazoo1975]

!!

[@HEATSEEKER00]

He's Jewsplaining ... Do you like being lectured to from a position of privilege ?

[@Courtesyflush52]

​@@HEATSEEKER00 lol what? he's an architect explaining architecture

[@bhargavchaudhari746]

Being a Batman fan, I'm very glad to hear Bill Finger's name ahead of Bob Kane, cause after decades of the fight (of course from Bill's side), finally everyone knows the true legend (Dark knight) behind such an iconic character in the history of both DC & Marvel comics.

[@Caliginousknight13]

Glad I wasn't the only one to catch that lol Intentional or not, Bill's name deserves to be first.

[@christopherkich443]

It felt great to hear that, no doubt

[@LordSkella]

Same here

[@jalabi99]

Long live Bill Finger, and may his name ever be proclaimed as the true creator of Batman.

[@termin8r23]

Agree! Plus he acknowledges Kane as just a co-creator when talking about Kane street in the Batman!

[@elluisito000]

It is interesting to see how Chicago has, in a way or another, influenced the way Gotham is supposed to look. Thanks!

[@burtmacklin4497]

It’s pretty interesting because in Batman begins most of the skyline and filming is Chicago, the dark knight is NYC, and the dark knight rises is Pittsburgh. So when you imagine Gotham city in the Nolan movies it’s almost an amalgamation of the three cities

[@tonywellington7854]

gotham is chicago

[@RyanG0899]

​@@tonywellington7854Gotham City is Gotham City.

[@InhabitantOfOddworld]

And much of The Batman is based on Liverpool - only the wide skyline shots are Chicago

[@le_meme_man8983]

​@@burtmacklin4497 that's incorrect. Begins was Chicago and a set built for the narrows, while TDK was just Chicago (and Hong kong). TDKR was Pittsburgh, New York and Los Angeles

[@miguelinigopabello5605]

My favorite interior design is that of the new Batman movie. I like how it looks like the inside of a gothic church instead of your typical penthouse or mansion.

[@mentalwarfare9040]

A traditional catholic church is an architectural behemoth. Sad they make the new churches like regular buildings

[@vietnameeseguy]

Bruce’s penthouse in TDK is my favorite. So freaking cool and it would make more sense with him living in the city so he’d be closer to respond to things.

[@Mariah_Cortez]

Cringe

[@mndlessdrwer]

To be fair, as wealthy as he is depicted to be, he should reasonably own multiple properties, so him needing to relocate when Wayne Manor inevitably burns down isn't nearly as inconveniencing as you might think.

[@5oups3yeVi3w]

There's also the former Manor in The Batman, which was donated to Gotham to be an orphanage where the Riddler grows up and Thomas Wayne launches his mayoral campaign. Great breakdown!

[@robchristian3103]

What a great point about the family house of Edward Bulwer-Lytton used in Batman 1989 as in the same movie the Joker proclaims "The pen is truly mightier than the sword" after killing Ricorso. Thanks for a fun and educational documentary!

[@BoomKing69]

Wow! So true!!

[@alessandrotorza6120]

Had the same thought. Very nice Easter egg.

[@alexanderguerrero347]

In the dark knight the joker also kills a man with a pencil

[@funnyman8713]

@@alexanderguerrero347 a fooking pencil !

[@ObamaFromKenya]

@@alexanderguerrero347 ta da

[@Sociotard]

Wow, fascinating to see how Bruce Wayne's depicted wealth has grown over the decades. He used to be a millionaire, now he's a billionaire. He had a nice little house that got successively larger.

[@zombifiedpariah7392]

You have inflation to thank for that.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@zombifiedpariah7392 exactly

[@anilachar323]

Wayne Enterprises, from the 1930s till date must've moved with the times, invested heavily in Construction, Defence, Tech and Social Media and Bitcoin, and naturally, not paid taxes...

[@zombifiedpariah7392]

@@WitchKing-Of-Angmar Lol yup

[@oddoperator3524]

I think its to show how rich he is since Millionaire in the 40s-80s were hard to think of and from that time billionaire’s probably didn’t exist or was just a fww

[@susanmurphy958]

You are a wonderful teacher, Michael Wyetzner. You need to make more videos like this. They are absolutely fascinating. Keep up the good work!

[@PioneerBuildersInc]

I'd love to see him talk about the lake house in Batman vs. Superman

[@sumit9803]

This guy is an amazing teacher. He obviously loves Batman, and looks like he really enjoys teaching both Architecture and Batman. Dope video!

[@ender7278]

I really appreciate covering the comic debut and 40s serials. Most people would just skip those, but you guys were thorough.

[@Cheeksisjeshua]

I would love to point out that in “The Batman” where Batman and Gordon go looking for the Riddler and find the tape about the Waynes, is actually the Wayne Manor. Matt Reeves Twitted saying that the tower is where Bruce stayed while the Manor was being turned into an Orphanage, then an abandoned building. Hopefully we can see that actually becoming the Wayne Manor again.

[@MistakenMedia]

Love watching these because I learn what the actual name for things are like the gables, quoins, intel, balustrade and the clerestory windows. Really shows your expertise in this field.

[@BoyDrowned]

I just LOVE when he says "CREATED BY BILL FINGER and bob kane"

[@limelindsey78]

Obsessed with this series! I get so excited when a new video is posted. One of the manors being a collegiate building is pretty cool. I'd love to see an episode with universities, prep schools, etc.

[@BoitumeloMalatji]

This would really be interesting.

[@andybergman7009]

Michael Wyetzner is awesome. I hope his analysis is utilized in many episodes on this channel

[@galaxy_mosaic3587]

expected this video to be pretty educational but somehow it was more fun than expected. I guess bc of the explanation of the various styles of buildings used. appreciate the level of research done to identify the actual building used (when available) and its history. thank you

[@pakilla4578]

In Batman v Superman, after Wayne Manor burned down, Bruce lived in his mother's house that was commissioned by Thomas Wayne. It was modeled after Farnsworth House, also designed by Mies Van der Rohe, and built from scratch.

[@bpetey5970]

The house by the lake right?

[@moniaco3462]

For me, despite the fantastic of Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher's Mansion and Gotham City, it is more realistic than Chris Nolan's for one reason only, the fantastic and imposing of invented cities makes you believe that they are different places than any other city in the world and those of Nolan's trilogy when filming in well-known cities (Chicago) takes you out of the hero's universe by identifying the streets and buildings and makes you realize that such city doesn´t exist, same situation with batman v superman. Conclusion: ironically there is more realism and creativity in the invented cities of Burton and Schumacher than in the newer versions

[@AquaticMammalOnBicycle]

at 13:25

[@almovi]

You missed the black Farnsworth House where Ben Afleck lives Batman vs Superman!!!

[@HeroesOfSmile]

Sadly they forgot Bruce's villa from BvS and Justice League, which is in fact a black replica of Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe (same architect, whose building was used in Dark Knight).

[@NJ-jc9iq]

Yup that was the whole reason I clicked the video. Mies van der Rohe is my favorite architect. Love that house!

[@walterzielinski6654]

Bravo Michael! I wish AD would create a dedicated Wyetzner Playlist. For a lifelong architecture fan, always more informative than any art history lecture I ever attended.

[@curiousworld7912]

The post-war, suburban look to 'Wayne Manor' was interesting. I can almost understand the comic book depiction, as the top-line, Sears 'mansion' kit-home from the early 20th cent. As to the various Gothic interpretations; I sort of expect that, given the name of the city is 'Gotham', and the general tone has been dark, which is often associated with that style. Fun video. :)

[@vincentgoupil180]

Actually, Gotham means simple minded fools or, a town of goats. The 40s Batman writer Bill Finger took it out of a telephone book from Gotham Jewelers.

[@curiousworld7912]

@@vincentgoupil180 I didn't know the origin of the word. That's interesting. :) But, I just meant the two words had similar sounds, so going from 'Gotham' to 'Gothic' seemed a short step.

[@vincentgoupil180]

@@curiousworld7912 Easy to do as its commonly understood 'Batman' orginally started in New York City or, as Bill Finger nicknamed it Gotham City, and later combined with Gothic Literature and Gothic Revival architecture 1830-1860.

[@justinwilliams7290]

New York City's nickname is 'Gotham' and that is likely where it comes from. It was coined by Washington Irving in the early 19th century and meant as satire for the fools who lived and ruled there.

[@vincentgoupil180]

@@justinwilliams7290 And Irving took the name from the town of Gotham, Nottinghamshire, England for City of Fools (NYC) or, later as Robin said place for the criminally insane. Also, Gotham/Gottam/City of sheep, goats.

[@MasterEye6590]

Great Video! I'm only missing the Bruce Waynes house from the Zack Snyder movie. After Wayne Manor burned down Bruce ist living in an total modern House at the shore of a lake. Always loved that modern minimalistic house.

[@marceng6579]

I was waiting for that part too! Haha because it has inspiration on the Farnsworth House of architect Mies Van der Rohe, same house depicted previously when speaking about the penthouse

[@rsgromek]

@@marceng6579 that was exactly what I was going to say! Too bad they didn’t touch on that one.

[@pnwmeditations]

The interior of Wayne Manor in The Batman is so damn cool looking. I wish I could wander around in there for hours.

[@aadityamittal4821]

The building that they used to depict the "Wayne" building the latest version of is the iconic Tribune Tower in Chicago.

[@daninceto0]

Absolutely love these videos. I literally can't get enough of listening to Mr Weytzner break down every detail in each building. Very interesting and captivating.

[@slimphotog]

Me too. Previously I had no interest in architecture.😅

[@anneoboyle8447]

I think 🤔 Michael ought to design the next Wayne Manor! He'd incorporate all of the best of these elements he's explained so artfully here! Thanks, Michael!❤️🍀🏡

[@moniaco3462]

For me, despite the fantastic of Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher's Mansion and Gotham City, it is more realistic than Chris Nolan's for one reason only, the fantastic and imposing of invented cities makes you believe that they are different places than any other city in the world and those of Nolan's trilogy when filming in well-known cities (Chicago) takes you out of the hero's universe by identifying the streets and buildings and makes you realize that such city doesn´t exist, same situation with batman v superman. Conclusion: ironically there is more realism and creativity in the invented cities of Burton and Schumacher than in the newer versions as The Batman with Robert Pattison.

[@ivanjuarez7731]

The Wayne Manor in Batman 89 is actually the Knebworth House located in Knebworth, England. It has been used in other productions including Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and The King's Speech.

[@RingoLoadagain]

Please keep bringing Michael back, I really get excited when I see that you've posted a new video from him!

[@UnclePaulsTravelVlog]

Its crazy that the knebworth house was used the '89 batman movie since the line "the pen is mightier than the sword" was coined by a descendent of the man who built it and was used by the joker in the movie.

[@allthingstoallmen8912]

Absolutely love Michael's breakdowns. Keep on bringing him back for more please!

[@josiah6794]

The house he starts talking about at around 2:50 from the TV series was also Consul Han's house in the Jackie Chan movie Rush Hour!

[@j.mieses8139]

This was an amazing breakdown of the different architectural styles. Mr. Wyetzner explains everything in such detail so well.

[@PHELI0N]

Thank you for this wonderful video. Especially mentioning Bill Finger before Bob Kane made my day! 😊

[@ThatOtherMikeyGuy]

this is some great work. If there's one thing I love, it's trivial subjects addressed with great intellectual rigour (and, conversely, weighty topics treated flippantly).

[@oliviahayes6427]

listening to this architect is a delight

[@cameronliddy8520]

Wayne Manor from TDK (Wollaton Hall) is actually very close to Gotham, England (pronounced goat-um). Gotham was used as a nickname for NYC which was taken from the original Gotham in England. Nolan's choice to use Wollaton Hall for the final iteration of Wayne Manor is a clever link to Batman and Gotham City's origins

[@queenofhearts64]

Glad that you gave the correct pronunciation of Gotham so I can add that Wollaton is pronounced Wool -a- tun

[@dulio12385]

I wish he'd review the manor in The Batman TV series. That thing is a wierd mix of a manor estate and a brownstone apartment.

[@robertdraw7726]

Very nice and no commercials which helps tremendously. Thank you.

[@marcusanark2541]

I'm very impressed and delighted he started with the comic book source material and the lesser known shorts!!!

[@rk1356]

What a brilliant guy. I would happily listen to him speak on any video related to architecture and architectural history. I bet he gives an amazing pitch to clients.

[@TheElectricMayhem]

It makes sense Snyder used a Classical Greek Architecture since the DC Trinity are suppose to be gods of modern mythology.

[@MMTrigger]

This might sound silly, but it's oddly fitting that the movie where Joker references the line "the pen is mightier than the sword" features the house of the line's creator.

[@thefonzkiss]

Good spot.

[@xaayer]

I wish he had covered the Animated Batman's mansion. Mask of the Phantasm was a movie with a theatrical release so it would qualify. Edit: We also had a Wayne manor in Joker.

[@whtyc]

This was awesome. Every time I see Michael’s face I know it’s going to be good

[@iamatn3317]

5:05 Didn’t the Joker off somebody with a pen then goes “the pen is truly mightier than the sword” 😅 ruthless 🤣

[@vincentmiller420]

Thanks Michael for the break down! It's very interesting to see it through the eyes of a professional!

[@ninjagamer1359]

This video was absolutely fascinating from start to finish. I would love more, though, like all the interiors, rather than just 2, and more versions of Wayne Manor from the comics than just the first-animation, too!

[@jarhettwenger5103]

So I just came across this channel and I have been totally mesmerized by his videos I didn’t know I had such an appreciation for architecture this is excellent stuff fantastic education thank you

[@SmallBlogV8]

Loads of things I didn't know about the buildings and wouldn't have noticed about little set design easter eggs and the like. Great stuff! Also 'Character Building' is the best possible name for this formula.

[@kingwinner]

I love these videos so much and Wyetzner is an indelible teacher. I checked out his firm's projects and they are gorgeous.

[@w.jasonspangler2952]

Amazing video. I love this series AD!

[@dyl923gonz7]

Thanks for this series Michael!

[@malcolmphillips6936]

Thank you for a lovely tour.

[@marryamakbaar3014]

Welcome Back, Michael 👋🏼 Seeing you puts a smile on my face, I know what's coming ☺ .. few minutes worth a sea of knowledge , wisdom and knock on head truth ! 🙌🏼 ❤ What I think of is: " pure fun and learning" , thank you 😊

[@kasperstenbom]

What an fantastic video! I enjoyed it immensely!

[@BlueSaphire70]

Delightful episode, as usual!

[@seattlebeard]

Michael Wyetzner is an absolute joy to watch. More, please! :o)

[@chrisgray6988]

Your such a clever story teller!!! Love the images...

[@thepeculiarswede8617]

Loved your video, my personal favorite is the Batman returns version ( working on a Lego model of that one ) really works for the darker style of that movie.

[@Robertbartaa]

to bad they didn’t include the glass lake house that was inspired by the farnesworth house in batman v superman. would have been cool to hear his take on it.

[@Kurdt-zk4wt]

Now your asking foe too much

[@TKE644]

I was unsure about whether or not clicking on this was a good decision, having stumbled upon it, but the Danny Glover Lethal Weapon reference sold me. Great video.

[@natalieeis9284]

I love this series, especially this one. Thank you 🦇🖤

[@angonsframes]

Me too ! hi five. This one is so informative about Batman structural facts. Loved it. Are you a Batman fan ?

[@Abhi-wh3ik]

You can see the joy on his face while talking about Nolan's taste- because it resonates with guys with good taste in architecture, he wasn't necessarily trying to make it seem gothic, or Batman centric compared to Matt Reeves- who wanted to make it as comicbook-y as possible in modern context wirhout completely indulging into fantasy unlike Burton's design which was full on comicbook fantasy. Snyder chose what best describes his vision of the character and the universe he was trying to create- ruins.

[@haleyhopkins7602]

This was really cool and informative. Please more of this!

[@salvatoreIII]

A very fun and educational analysis. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insights.

[@moonwalker091000]

This was such a great video, so cool to see Batman's home from early times to modern. Your explanations on the designs are very educational and extremely interesting. Really enjoyable to listen to. Thanks very much and looking forward to the next one :o)

[@MrMetallidude]

This video was so satisfying - especially when he talked about the Burton-movies.

[@claudiamann7111]

Your videos are just fabulous. So interesting and educational. I have learned new terminology from each one. Thanks so much and looking forward to the next one.

[@moniaco3462]

For me, despite the fantastic of Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher's Mansion and Gotham City, it is more realistic than Chris Nolan's for one reason only, the fantastic and imposing of invented cities makes you believe that they are different places than any other city in the world and those of Nolan's trilogy when filming in well-known cities (Chicago) takes you out of the hero's universe by identifying the streets and buildings and makes you realize that such city doesn´t exist, same situation with batman v superman. Conclusion: ironically there is more realism and creativity in the invented cities of Burton and Schumacher than in the newer versions as The Batman with Robert Pattison.

[@Raphazoni]

Thank you AD, this is great content!

[@alexprieto4815]

Excellent video. Would have loved to hear some thoughts on Bruce Wayne’s modern Lake House in BvS

[@BillFinger27]

Dude, that historical context for Batman Begins and The Dark Knight Rises is so cool!

[@rbarr6]

Really informative and well thought out video.

[@dhruvurs9890]

I like the in-depth analysis of the manors of Bruce Wayne!! Whether it be comics or the movies/tv shows!!

[@largebig79]

i had no idea that same building was used for 3 different movies and gotham. i only recognised it from gotham, thats really cool actually

[@silverioangulomartinez7724]

What a great video. Thank you!

[@Marc_prime]

Highly informative video, thank you!

[@36melodyproduction]

An analysis of every Wayne Manor depiction in Batman movies/series is the video I didn't knew I needed.

[@CapitalJ25]

These videos of Michael Wyeztner are superb! He's not a snob like Meier or Gehry.

[@1nihilu]

Excellent vid! Never thought I'd be interested in architecture.

[@3Rayfire]

I loved this video, quite brilliant. I want more.

[@masquerader101]

PLEASE take a look at keyhouse from the Locke & Key comic. It is absolutely gorgeous and the artist has a degree in architecture to top it all off. You will be extremely pleased

[@hrani]

I experienced the same grief and outrage as he did when describing what happened to the ruined building. What a travesty. Shame on those developers, destroying such a beautiful piece of history for nothing but profit

[@Paperfiasco]

Intentional or not, I give this man extra points for crediting Bill Finger first before Bob Kane.

[@Nayops23]

15:05 ^ Love how there inspiration is always based here in Chicago❕👏🏼

[@lisca2866]

Very interesting and very well explained thank you

[@dustasanglelaki]

Thank you for the in depth knowledge of Wayne manor.

[@mikesmusicden]

Very interesting video; thank you for taking the time to make it. 👍

[@solisgloria74]

Absolutely LOVE!!! 💙💙💙 As usual with all your videos, very educational!!!

[@moniaco3462]

Sorry to say this but despite the fantastic of Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher's Mansion and Gotham City, it is more realistic than Chris Nolan's for one reason only, the fantastic and imposing of invented cities makes you believe that they are different places than any other city in the world and those of Nolan's trilogy when filming in well-known cities (Chicago) takes you out of the hero's universe by identifying the streets and buildings and makes you realize that such city doesn´t exist, same situation with batman v superman. Conclusion: ironically there is more realism and creativity in the invented cities of Burton and Schumacher than in the newer versions as The Batman with Robert Pattison too

[@nathan_p]

I love this series of videos. I always wanted one about the evolution of Professor X's mansion, but I imagine it would be very similar to this one.

[@jallar4]

Professor X's mansion is actually Casa Loma in Toronto which was also used as Wayne Manor for the TV show Titans!

[@CarolinaVecc]

I absolutely loved this video, hope to see more similar content 🤗

[@richmilburne5619]

This was awesome to watch

[@luisacc88]

i love michael all the videos hes in are so interesting

[@Reem.Ersheid]

I love your content, I wish you do a regular series or launch your own channel? Thank you for your efforts and hard work

[@cultureminister]

I was saving all comics depictions of wayne manor for the last 6 years, so this video is really exciting for me. If it also covered all comics manors it would just be the best video on youtube

[@alecgladkov8573]

i love this guy. please make more vids with him