Art

The World of Tim Burton pop-up museum arrives in Malaysia

Featuring authentic art from the creative genius, the exhibition at Pavilion Bukit Jalil will run until the end of July

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 21 Mar 2023 7:00PM

The World of Tim Burton pop-up museum arrives in Malaysia
Some models from Tim Burton’s 2005 stop-motion film The Corpse Bride. Burton was often drawn to finding the humanity and beauty in society’s outsiders. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 21, 2023

by Haikal Fernandez

OVER the course of the last 40 years, Tim Burton established himself as one of the most distinct voices to come out of Hollywood, with a steady stream of hits. 

Burton was the creative vision behind Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Batman Returns, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and many more. 

While there are not that many artworks related to the two iconic Batman movies he made, there are conceptual drawings where one can see Burton’s raw interpretation of the characters There are even sketches from his aborted Superman movie. – Haikal Fernandez pic
While there are not that many artworks related to the two iconic Batman movies he made, there are conceptual drawings where one can see Burton’s raw interpretation of the characters There are even sketches from his aborted Superman movie. – Haikal Fernandez pic

His movies, at least for the first half of his career, had a unique look that was partly responsible for popularising the modern goth aesthetic. They also often feature misunderstood outcasts, who either want to be accepted by society or decide to band together and create their own community. 

Fortunately for Malaysian fans of Burton, Pavilion Bukit Jalil is hosting ‘The World of Tim Burton’ pop-up museum from March 21 to July 30. After touring through China, South Korea, and Japan, the organisers decided on Malaysia to be their one and only stop in Southeast Asia, and their last stop in Asia. 

The pop-up museum is broken up into 10 different sections, each with its own themes. This should let fans see how certain ideas and themes have stuck with Burton over the years. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic
The pop-up museum is broken up into 10 different sections, each with its own themes. This should let fans see how certain ideas and themes have stuck with Burton over the years. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic

Broken up into 10 different thematic sections (not chronological), the museum features over 500 drawings, paintings, photos, sculptures, and more, all of which are authentic and come from Burton’s personal collection. There’s even a desk modelled to look like his actual workspace.

A recreation of Burton’s workspace, where he lets the creative juices flow. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic
A recreation of Burton’s workspace, where he lets the creative juices flow. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic

Fans will get to see some of the important steps in his development as an artist – from his humble beginnings as an animator – as well as how much preparation goes into making his films. There are even handmade models and conceptual art of movies that did not end up getting made. 

There is a lot of variety in the kinds of drawings and illustrations available. They communicate a man brimming with ideas and nowhere to put them but on the page. – Haikal Fernandez pic
There is a lot of variety in the kinds of drawings and illustrations available. They communicate a man brimming with ideas and nowhere to put them but on the page. – Haikal Fernandez pic

Unfortunately, the man himself could not attend the opening of the exhibition as he had recently come down with a case of Covid. He was originally scheduled to hold a meet and greet, as well as a book signing. 

Don’t expect a collection of movie props at this pop-up museum, this is about art and creativity, first and foremost. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic
Don’t expect a collection of movie props at this pop-up museum, this is about art and creativity, first and foremost. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic

Despite that, there is plenty to see and explore. Most of the art is not in big pieces, with some even appearing on napkins. You can really get the sense that Burton was always bursting with creativity, even from a young age. 

(Above) These large and outlandish sculptures come from an animated pirate film that never entered production. (bottom) Some puppets modelled on actor Deep Roy, who played the Oompa Loompa in Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic
(Above) These large and outlandish sculptures come from an animated pirate film that never entered production. (bottom) Some puppets modelled on actor Deep Roy, who played the Oompa Loompa in Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic

One of the exhibits is the children’s book he submitted to Disney while he was still in high school, and from the letters that come with it, we know that he was destined for success. Though from the illustrations shown at the museum, there is a lot of trial-and-error that goes into any creative field. 

Despite seeming like a small space from the outside, the exhibit easily fits the more than 500 pieces of art of all different types. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic
Despite seeming like a small space from the outside, the exhibit easily fits the more than 500 pieces of art of all different types. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic

Tickets for ‘The World of Tim Burton’ can be purchased here. Tickets are priced at RM88 for adults, RM68 for children and seniors, and RM48 for OKU. There is a season pass for RM498 that allows for multiple entries. 

For those who want to go another level, the VIP Bundle which goes for RM1,500 includes the season pass, an invite to a virtual Masterclass (that includes a 10-minute chat with Burton himself), The Art of Tim Burton book and special signed merchandise. – The Vibes, March 21, 2023

Related News

Art / 6mth

Research suggests babies already have their own taste in art

Art / 7mth

Dedicated fair, museum aim to put the spotlight on women artists

Places / 7mth

Perlis Art Bridge Exhibition brings 150 international painters together

Art / 7mth

Tattoo artists make their mark at Hong Kong fair

Art / 7mth

Rubens, Picasso, Louise Bourgeois: who are the most bankable artists today?

Art / 7mth

Why AI-produced artworks are no match for those by ‘real’ artists

Spotlight

Events

UK alumni lauded for stellar achievements as British Council observes 75 years in Malaysia

Malaysia

Don’t let politicians, activists stir up hatred against KK Mart, PBK tells cops

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

7.7 mil people registered in Padu, 2.5 mil cyberattacks, but not one success: Rafizi

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Farewell Aunty Bersih, you will be missed

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Couple make two trips to workshop to find trapped kitten in car

Malaysia

KK Mart founder, director charged with wounding religious feelings of others over 'Allah' socks

By The Vibes Team