‘Frankenstein: Crafting a Tale Eternal’ — Peer Inside Guillermo del Toro’s Mind [Gallery]
Located at Selfridges in the heart of London, the free exhibit called Frankenstein: Crafting a Tale Eternal offers guests a fascinating insight into the making of writer and director Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, and you really will feel like you are stepping into del Toro’s mind as you attend and learn about every detail which went into creating the spectacular film. As soon as you enter, you will be treated to a video introduction from del Toro introducing himself and offering an overview of his version of Frankenstein.
Attendees are then treated to a series of fascinating displays of artwork from the film accompanied by descriptive signs explaining how the early concept art represented del Toro’s unique vision throughout the early stages of adapting Mary Shelley’s classic novel while the film was still in pre-production. As guests progress through the exhibit, they will then find various costumes from the movie on display, including the expensive suits worn by the British aristocracy who Victor Frankenstein mingles with, the tattered clothing worn by the elderly blind man who the Creature befriends, the blood-tattered surgical suits Victor himself wears, and the dresses his mother wears.
Best of all, the heavy suit the Creature wears in the Arctic was present against a replica of an Arctic backdrop, and the coldness was almost palpable. A separate, life-sized model of the Creature showcased his hideous patchwork scars in open view while also giving us an idea of his impressive size, while the model of the stone-crafted Angel of Death which Victor encounters in his nightmares is also likely to haunt your dreams.
The exhibit begins with a series of striking concept art displays, each paired with descriptive text that explains how early designs shaped del Toro’s interpretation throughout pre-production. As guests move deeper into the space, they encounter an impressive collection of costumes from the film: the lavish suits worn by British aristocrats, the tattered clothing belonging to the elderly blind man befriended by the Creature, Victor Frankenstein’s blood-stained surgical garments, and the elegant dresses worn by Victor’s mother.
One of the standout pieces is the heavy Arctic suit worn by the Creature, placed before a recreated frozen backdrop that nearly conveys physical cold. A separate life-sized model of the Creature reveals his grotesque patchwork scars and imposing scale. Nearby, a sculpted model of the Angel of Death—the figure who haunts Victor’s nightmares—creates another chilling highlight.
Various props from the production are also on display, including period-accurate cameras and surgical tools that ground the film firmly in its historical era. The exhibit expands into larger world-building elements as well, featuring a towering replica of Victor’s laboratory structure and a detailed reconstruction of his workshop, offering visitors an immersive sense of place. Each display includes extensive notes explaining its development and significance in the film.
Because Frankenstein is an R-rated film, the exhibit also includes several graphic anatomical models. One depicts a cadaver curled on its side with the skin peeled back to reveal musculature, while another lies on a medical table with its chest cavity fully open. These displays provide an unflinching look at the medical world that shaped Victor’s obsessions and may be unsettling for some visitors.
A dedicated room plays a short documentary about the creation of the score, featuring interviews with del Toro and composer Alexandre Desplat, along with footage from recording sessions. The separate space allows the music to be appreciated without competing with the visual displays.
For fans of Guillermo del Toro or anyone interested in the craft behind his adaptation of Frankenstein, Crafting a Tale Eternal is essential viewing. And for those who want to experience the finished film, Frankenstein is now streaming on Netflix. The acclaimed cast includes Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Charles Dance, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, and Christoph Waltz, and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive.
Check out our original gallery of images from the event
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