Architect Breaks Down Details of Wes Anderson's “The Grand Budapest Hotel" | Architectural Digest

Michael Wyetzner of Michielli + Wyetzner Architects joins AD to break down the hidden design details and architectural flourishes you may have missed while watching the ornately decorated fantasy world of director Wes Anderson's Academy Award-winning 2014 film The Grand Budapest Hotel.
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[@jasminetaylor7223]

i’m very determined to believe that wes anderson would’ve made a fantastic architect

[@imageez]

I think he did do an interior design to this bar/café sometime after Grand Budapest, so close enough?

[@boglarcara557]

All this could probably be credited more to the team of set designers that worked on the film, not the director

[@neutraltoxic]

Or serial killer

[@ItsSkytheGuy]

I think he even said in an interview somewhere that if he wasn't a director he would maybe be an architect

[@avengerwidow9]

@@boglarcara557 but ultimately, the whole film is his vision as he planned out and wrote the film, which is why i believe he does deserve some form of credit for the set design because the set designers helped him bring that vision to life by physically making these incredible spaces

[@Yelsent]

Love the side-by-side comparisons of the 30s vs 60s decor in the end. It is noticable in the film of course, but it lingers just too briefly to really let it soak in. Great video as usual AD, hopefully much more to come with this format and guest!

[@uioplkhj]

The earlier parts of the film aren't the architure of the 1930s but of the Austro Hungarian empire as mentioned by the architect.

[@Yelsent]

@@uioplkhj good point. I should clarify that I meant the decor as seen in the 30s time setting in the film, you're right that it's older than that.

[@henrylivingstone2971]

I love the grand Budapest hotel, there’s so much thought and detail that’s gone into the world building. It’s an amazing movie and it’s beautiful to watch and enjoy.

[@sazennonumber]

This was a treat. Love Wes Anderson and love architecture, so double dopamine dose. Harry Potter comes to mind as a possible episode of architectural unpacking. Thank you.

[@ender7278]

Harry Potter would be fantastic. Granted, a large portion of Hogwarts is made of real world locations, but those would still be interesting to analyze.

[@FebrithDarkstar]

Oooh yes! So many options to choose from those movies:)

[@mirjamforster5432]

As a person who lived in the city of Goerlitz, where the hotel lobby, the bath and the dining room were shot, this clip was a special treat! Thanks alot AD! As a child it was a must to go to that warehouse when we came on a day trip from the village, they had literally everything there and the flair was kind of glamourous. Today it's closed, sad but true. Side Note: 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' was not the first and surely not the last movie made in Goerlitz ... parts of "Around the World in 80 Days" by Jackie Chan, 'Inglorious Basterds', 'The Reader' and many more were made there ...

[@effingcool1780]

OMG used to live in Zittau right around the time when this film was made and aired. I travelled through Goerlitz many times but never paid attention.(I was a student at Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz ) But i never knew that filming location was in Goerlitz. I missed many beautiful places there.

[@declanpetermcginty]

I LOVE when AD does these kinda videos. No work shall be done for the next 14.11 mins :)

[@radbu1075]

Love this! Wes Anderson’s style is iconic!

[@jmbwithcats]

Seeing a 35 year seasoned architect break down the architecture from the film The Grand Budapest Hotel was quite a treat, as I absolutely loved this movie.

[@peztopher7297]

This is one of my favorite films. I like al of Wes Anderson's films. I was in Ukraine in 1975 as a teenager, and that Soviet interior style is spot on. It *almost* made me nostalgic in a weird way. The dining room--isn't it a theater, or was? There are two stage levels in front of curtains. The large illustrated panel could have been where a backdrop was hung, perhaps converted to a film screen in the 20s and 30s. Most telling are the balconies on the side and the seats turned to face the proscenium. Or it may have been a ballroom with the orchestra on the stage. I love how in the last photo of the staff, you can tell what everyone's job is and what seniority they have by how they're dressed, how detailed or not their uniforms are and whether they are sitting, kneeling or standing. Classic.

[@badger1492]

Wow, I love Wes Anderson movies even more now. I want to go back and watch them all and go frame by frame.

[@vincentgoupil180]

See his first movie "Bottle Rocket" for its scenes with Frank Lloyd Wright's John Gillian Residence.

[@SoCalFreelance]

The Haunting (1999) - shot at a variety of mansions and elaborate sets. The Great Gatsby (2013) - how can one not discuss one of the most famous homes ever. Nick Carraway's tiny house next door also had its charms.

[@vincentgoupil180]

If you like the architecture of East and West Egg, Long Island, see the illustrations of Joseph Christian Leyendecker. Supposedly some of "The Great Gatsby" is based on him. Not so much as the architecture as the lifestyle.

[@lukasvrabec5783]

Or as any Czech will tell, welcome to Karlovy Vary/Carlsbad and Grand hotel Pupp, where you can find everything. Magnificent bath hotel build in secession style, Ventricular, and even deer jump statue.

[@ZonieMusic]

Love the breakdown! Just wanted to point out some things I noticed: 1:09 - I believe the architect says "aqueduct" but the captions transcribe it as "aqua-dock". 2:47 - He says that in the exterior shot the "Grand Budapest" signage is not consistent, but it is. It could just be the quality of the printed movie screenshot the staff gave him, but if you take a closer look, there is the smaller version of the signage in the same place as the close-up shot. It's barely legible, yes, but it's there. 5:19 - Caught another captioning error hahaha. It's "panes", like glass panes, not "pains" nor "pans" (later in the sentence). 12:15 - Captions again. "Formica", as in the brand Formica Laminate which is used for tabletop surfaces, not "For Micah".

[@calebhatcher5789]

Thank you I noticed him not seeing the entrance too

[@dannydraait]

Some years ago I stayed at De l'Europe Hotel in Bad Gastein, Austria. That hotel was the inspiration for the Grand Budapest Hotel. They look very similar. Especially the location and the grandeur.

[@MurcuryEntertainment]

We actually discussed this movie, and Wes Andersons very orthographic filming style in architecture school on a great many of these principles.

[@heatherdung979]

Thanks for bringing Mr. Wyetzner back! Always enjoyed watching him! This man really has a way to keep things both captivating and informative!

[@andreaamato2259]

This series is fantastic, and explains architecture in a way that anyone can understand and appreciate it. Please continue them!

[@connor48880]

So from this I learned that a lot of things jumped out at him, right away. In all seriousness, this was incredibly insightful, and really shows just how determined a director Wes is. How his architectural decisions match those made in the time periods his films take place in.

[@theblackdaria_]

Quality content!! Please keep these coming! (And please bring back every details of NY buildings)

[@marinedrive5484]

Interesting choice to do a deep dive into The Grand Budapest Hotel and to see its transition from a style period that celebrated beauty, into a drab edifice of the 1960s, Soviet-era modernism. Of course, it's a microcosm of what has happened to many cities around the world. In my case, a city that went from being a rather handsome and elegant Victorian/Edwardian city to a hodge-podge of drab modernist buildings and run-down vestiges of its former glory.

[@joelrebollar7055]

Where do you live, if you don't mind me asking?

[@wyster14]

@@joelrebollar7055 from what it sounds like, any european city that survived WW2 but didn’t last the modernist movement

[@bicyclist2]

I absolutely love this movie. I had never seen any Wes Anderson movie before this. I'm very grateful that I have this on DVD. I just love the beautiful architecture. Thankfully I had the chance to go to Europe in Aug 1990 with my girlfriend and her parents. We got to see lots of very famous places including the Louvre in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, and many gothic cathedrals. Thank you.

[@emilydamoiseaux1343]

I so LOVE theses series of Michael breaking down architecture. I feel like i'm back at school in my favorite class. Glued to his lips, want to learn more!

[@lucasherczeg2457]

You should look into doing an episode on Severance (2022)! All of the sets are very moody and say a lot in their simplicity and variety (such as the reflective glass of the seemingly infinite Lumen building, and the uniform, isolated, blue suburb, not to mention the deliberately out-of-time interiors).

[@elenasalas5819]

I really enjoyed this! Very informative and interesting. Great intro to Michael Wyetzner. Hope to see more of him

[@RyanMayer]

Love this. I also LOVED the old department store architecture specifically the grand multi level atriums! They're so beautiful!

[@gaborjurina2839]

Wes Anderson captured the essence of Budapest, It's like he combined the Gellert hotel in Budapest, with the Budapest History Museum and the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular, one of my favourite movies of all times

[@graburn]

I would enjoy a break down of the Addams Family house. You could delve into the differences between the house in the New Yorker cartoons and the movies, how the house changes from movie to movie, and the houses in both the old and newer TV series and the house in the new animated movies. The house has always been my favorite "character" in the series, and I'd be interested to know your opinion on which movie or show house is most faithful to Charles Addam's illustrations.

[@eily_b]

I second that! 👍🏻

[@AlicenRowdy]

I love these videos. Michael Wyetzner is so entertaining to listen to! I'm fascinated by architecture in movies & games, and how directors work with their designers to tell the stories. Awesome series!

[@GregCurtin45]

Loved every second of this. GBH is one of my favourite movies. Thank you Mr. Wyetzner and #AD.

[@earthpeace3323]

This excellent commentary by Michael Wyetzner really shows the details that went into the making of the wonderful movie, The Grand Budapest Hotel.

[@spring6066]

this is really great, i wouldn't mind watching analysis like this for hours

[@jennienightingale727]

The architect doesn't mention it but the exterior of this hotel is actually based on the Bristol Hotel in Karlovy Vary, a real functioning grandhotel in my city. And so is the mountain goat statue on a mountain you can see in the promotional pictures for the film. Look up a photo :)

[@MonicaB666]

I was also thinking of Karlovy Vary. It also reminds me of the hotel Gellért in Budapest :)

[@adamteket1461]

I read that the inspiration was Hotel Gellért and Hotel Corinthia in Budapest, but Karlovy Vary also seems about right

[@agyvonne]

Thank you for a very descriptive and detailed account of this particular structure. I enjoyed it immensely.

[@Thialeana]

I would love to see the 1995 version of A Little Princess! The school has this beautiful fascinating, architecture!

[@alexismiller1896]

The Netflix show Midnight at the Pera Palace also reflects interesting architectural components of the late 19th century. Perhaps you could analyze that next.

[@isiswilliams1144]

You guys should look at the Shining. Another iconic movie hotel, great video!

[@AtheistOrphan]

Yes!

[@acethorfortis]

I love how things kept jumping out at him

[@robertryan952]

Loved your input on this movie. I'd love to see it again for the movie "Big Night". Thank you!

[@lisag3789]

We need more of these interesting videos from Michael!!

[@moonwalker091000]

I absolutely love these videos!! I learn something new every time. I have never heard of a mansard roof before and its purpose makes total sense. I could listen to these all day and love the music provided in the background, funky but not overpowering to take away the purpose of the video. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the next one :o)

[@paolanajera7107]

Thaaaaaank you! You are my favorite part of AD

[@terrymcmahon9278]

You could do one of these for every Wes Anderson movie and I would happily watch.

[@lwilliams2186]

It would be cool to see a breakdown of the architecture & design in Nancy Meyers's films (The Holiday, It's Complicated, Something's Gotta Give, Father of the Bride)... she has some gorgeous houses with distinct styles. Loving these videos and can't wait for the next one!

[@martijnkeisers5900]

Such a great video! Thnx guys

[@loriboufford6342]

I studied AD in college, it was my 2nd true love, I D was the 1st. Unfortunately, it was an mismatched love. These videos are a reminder of how true love felt. Thank you.

[@jihs79]

All of these "Building Character" videos are terrific. Thank you for taking the time. I would love to see Mr. Wyetzner's take on Tati's Mon Oncle and Playtime.

[@plainswell]

That was bloody marvelous. Thank you!

[@sopranos2012]

please make more videos like this,theyre great thank you

[@RichardAndPeter]

I really enjoy these. Great job (again). Couple of suggestions; Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Graduate.

[@TempleGuitars]

I really enjoyed this, for what it's worth. Thank you for sharing your insight, such as it is, and indeed as it must be.

[@alaindezii4445]

Amusing analysis, I always enjoy films where the architecture plays an active role. The Shining comes to mind.

[@aamaadmitopics7628]

Mind blowing analysis...hats off

[@methinksilikecake]

Really enjoyed that, Thanks you Michael.

[@WarthogARJ]

Excellent talk. I am really enjoying your videos: am gradually going thru them.

[@curlykipper]

Das Kaufhaus Görlitz, auch Warenhaus Görlitz. Amazing fact: This department store was built in under one year!

[@lauramora6767]

He not just speaks as an architect, but also as an cinephile

[@allarchitect]

This Guy is amazing! Excellent analysis.

[@kath4454]

Love this!! My favourite film!

[@EmanDeMoan]

Absolutely loved this! ❤️

[@seanc6468]

I'm learning so much about architecture

[@Gidadarling]

Hey Michael, I love your archi-tours! I'm currently watching them all. And I love that movie Grand Budapest Hotel!... Y'know what I'd like to hear more about is Australian architecture (being that I'm an Aussie and all) - - I've always been curious about Sydney architecture, as I grew up in Bondi and later Hunters Hill (Sydney). I now live in Adelaide which is architecturally peculiar and wonderful as well. And I've spent many years in between in Queensland, which has its own thing going on architecturally. Thanks a million if you do make something Aussie based, otherwise, please continue - I'm loving your work :-) ... oh and just in case you're wondering how I found you? My Mum grew up in Brooklyn NYC in a brownstone, so that's what I was searching when I came upon your wonderful series.

[@sergiovillegas320]

Did anyone else’s head explode by the fact the expert missed that the dinning hall was actually a converted theater and the painting was a scenic backdrop? 🤯

[@nudepreston]

Yes! That was my 1st thought … and wondered why it wasn’t discussed. Even the “box seats” are present. Also, the exposed scenic flats that flank the painting indicate the faux façade that the converted grand theatre represents as a dining room in the building’s decline.

[@traubevier9481]

The Overlook Hotel would also be very interesting!!

[@yay-cat]

Ok lemme go re watch the movie - there’s so much that I missed! Also I feel guilty - I’m an acoustic consultant and we’re always telling people to install grid ceilings (illuminated ceilings?) because it’s the most economical acoustic treatment. Architects typically respond by saying they would rather have exposed services which happens to be the most economic of all (obvs zero acoustic benefit)

[@OscarEDodier]

The Grand Budapest Hotel is one of the most perfectly executed fantasy movies ever.....that still touches on the human condition. #TGBH♥️

[@rkm237]

I loved some of the smaller spaces as well - the rooms, trains, steam rooms. Next how about Blade Runner 2049... perhaps versus the original.

[@chanelfitzgerald]

Loved this, so informative. Could you do Hungarian architecture please? It's so beautiful.

[@aaliyahjohari2148]

ive never clicked on a video so fast, one of my favourite movies -- great vid !

[@thefuneraldirectorsdaughter84]

Great film! I've wanted to visit this abandoned German building since I saw this movie years ago! ❤️

[@lauralaladarling3775]

Thank you Michael, I love your enlightening video explaining the architecural style and oppulence of the original The Grand Budapest Hotel interior and exterior juxtaposed with the sad, dull, tolatitarian 60's interior, very depressing end to the film. Your presentation with descriptive photos is absolutely marvellous. I love Mansard roofs and was fascinated to learn their origin to bypass regulations, ingenious. Corbusier buildings, although I appreciate natural change, always reminds me of a film made in France of people endlessly going up and down escalators, like ants, on their way to work. Xxxx

[@raghavendras4097]

All these movie related videos need a separate playlist!!

[@TheBurrowByTheCreek]

I would love more videos on the evolution of American architecture.🙏

[@vincentgoupil180]

Eric Sloane's books would be a start.

[@TheBurrowByTheCreek]

Will check out , thanks!

[@kristinenns-kavanagh3425]

This was great! Thanks so much! Love these. Would love to hear about Collinwood mansion from Dark Shadows (2012 movie).

[@tristanreyes7497]

i love these so much !!!!!! thank youuuu

[@brookegarbarini]

I would love to hear your take on the architecture in The Incredibles (and its sequel).

[@catarinadias3434]

this video is everything i ever needed in my life

[@jekku4688]

LOVED this movie!

[@TheSportsandFilmFellowship]

Love these videos !!! 💯

[@Albatrosspro1]

Michael is a great teacher!

[@jennalienn]

I would love to see a video on the overlook hotel in The Shining

[@hemi.gymnosophist]

The architecture/design breakdown of "The Severance" Lumon office would be a good video I think...

[@jonaslundholm]

Very good! Thanks!

[@LS-kg6my]

Love your analyses!!

[@garyhopkins]

Just a few shots from the end, they show the entrance with the words "GRAND BUDAPEST" rendered as simple blocks. Now that's minimalism!

[@kmosher1834]

SO GOOD!

[@nimmyglow]

LOVED this!

[@steini6771]

Just FAB! Thank you -

[@fresamouse]

2:51 it does match the wide shot. take a close look. the name of the hotel is also just above the door as well as up high

[@marciasloan534]

I love the architect’s speech pattern.

[@UgurAkinci]

Wonderful channel. Enjoying it very much. How about Tahoe Lake residence in Godfather 2? And similar single-story rambler-style luxury villas of the 40s and 50s with heavy rock stone fireplaces and mantles, complete with bear skin on the floor and avocado green fridge with round shoulders in the spacious kitchen?

[@Paperclips4782]

Love these videos!!!!! Thank you AD. Would you ever do government buildings around the world? (I know one was done about the White House) bit for eg looking at parliament hill in Canada or other countries???

[@mndlessdrwer]

I always love the examples you guys provide because so many of them tickle my classical revivalist heart. I really do love that overly ornamented design language. Brutalist, abstract, and minimalist architectural styles really just don't do much for me, particularly when you are dealing with such a large canvas as a hotel or department store, or civic center, etc. Is the classical revival style the best? No, not necessarily, but I still prefer it. It always brings an air of class to any place that still has structures in this style.

[@midsoulmusic]

If you zoom in close in the elevation, you will also see the text right below the art nouveau entrance. It is just not as big 2:48

[@wyster14]

There’s actually a 1930s hotel in my town that is vacant right now, but in two years will be restored into a boutique hotel. All public spaces are to be put to original state, and I haven’t been more excited because I grew up seeing this hotel totally run down

[@janooskerful]

This is an absolutely stunning series of mini-lectures on AD. Mr. Wyetzner 's knowledge is remarkable and , FOR ME, his manner of delivery is the best because he does not have upward inflection of tone toward the end of statements- which makes them sound like questions- a hipster trend that seems to have permeated too much in youtube even to hosts who are not hipster age. SO LOVELY to hear the expertise with confidence and clarity.

[@kam_iko]

i for one think that the 1960s interior design is excellent ♥️

[@fancybobbybob]

Neato! Thanks for your insight!

[@pearlywhiteteeth]

Im hoping you do a Breakdown of animated shows, and have H. John Benjamine and Ar. Wyetzner share the screen together. 😆

[@lucabeisans2325]

I didn't watch this movie, but now I sort of want to now. For the next video, can you do the 2018 movie Anon? There are many elements of Brutalist architecture which I found surprisingly nice.

[@andrewmead1298]

Loved the video makes me want to see the movie.Going on from this could you have a look at A Cure For Wellness🤗