Where was The Grand Budapest Hotel filmed?
2014
City Locations
Görlitz, Berlin, Dresden (Germany)
Location Types
Film Studio, Hotel, Museum, Warehouse, Mansion, Cafe
Location Styles
Gothic/Victorian, Greek/Neoclassical, Foreign, Luxury Hotel, Hotel/Motel Style, Resort
About The Grand Budapest Hotel
The cultural impact of the critically acclaimed 2014 film The Grand Budapest Hotel by Wes Anderson cannot be overlooked; filled with humor, mystery, and drama, the movie features an impressive ensemble cast. Headlining the cast is the distinguished Ralph Fiennes, as the hotel's renowned concierge Gustave H. Side by side with Fiennes is Tony Revolori, portraying the character of the young and faithful protégé, Zero Moustafa.
The all-star cast includes talented performances by Adrien Brody, F. Murray Abraham, Willem Dafoe, Tilda Swinton, Saoirse Ronan, Edward Norton, and the ever-entertaining Bill Murray. The film is set in the captivating, fictional landscape of Zubrowka, where Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) and Zero (Tony Revolori) find themselves wrestling with a murder mystery and a battle for a priceless painting.
Beyond its rich story and splendid performances, The Grand Budapest Hotel is also an award-winning film. It not only captivated audiences worldwide but also enchanted the jury of the Academy Awards. It was awarded the Oscars for Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Original Score. Furthermore, the film also received nominations for the highest honors, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
The Grand Budapest Hotel Locations
Enter the world of The Grand Budapest Hotel as you traverse the scenic landscapes of Görlitz, Germany, resting about 60 miles east of Dresden. This town, which borders Poland and the Czech Republic, marries various cultures and architectural styles, providing the perfect backdrop for this movie's intricate storytelling.
Engage in the vibrant film history by visiting the Görlitzer Warenhaus, the 1913 department store that housed the hotel's lobby in the film and was saved from demolition due to the film's production. Or, you could relive Zero's stories at the Stadthalle, the old city hall in Görlitz that featured as the hotel's restaurant. Castle Hainewalde captures the exterior of Madame Desgoffe-und-Taxis' home on the River Mandau, while Schloss Osterstein, a Renaissance castle in Zwickaw, was used to depict the "Checkpoint 19 Internment Camp", where M Gustave served time.
For film enthusiasts and travelers with a knack for unique, picturesque locations, a trip to The Grand Budapest Hotel's settings would be rewarding. The well-preserved old town of Görlitz, with its quaint streets and landmarks like the Dreifaltigkeitskirche (Trinity Church), makes for a splendid exploration. Also, the town's charismatic appeal extends to other films like Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds and the 2004 adaptation of Around the World in 80 Days.
Complement your visit by exploring the surrounding region of Saxony, housing historic castles like Schloss Waldenburg and Schloss Lutz. A trip to these locations is your golden ticket to fully appreciating the film's artistry and delving into the rich history and beauty of the region.
Fun Fact
The "Boy with Apple" painting appeared in different sites, it was visible behind the hotel's front desk during Jude Law's stay, also makes appearances on the menu back when Zero starts his story.
Zero's working routine scene in The Grand Budapest Hotel
Kaufhaus Görlitz, An d. Frauenkirche 5-7, 02826 Görlitz, Germany
Set in the whimsical world of 1932, during the hotel's golden era, Zero (Tony Revolori) tells the fascinating tale of a young lobby boy and the hotel's devoted concierge, Gustave (Ralph Fiennes). Despite the looming threat of war in the fictional Republic of Zubrowka, their focus remains steadfast on the grandeur of their beloved hotel.
While the hotel’s iconic pink exterior resembles a delicious birthday cake, complete with its unique funicular railway, the expansive fin-de-siecle lobby graced many scenes is authentic. This location is the Görlitzer Warenhaus, a grand department store built in 1913 in Görlitz, at the eastern end of Demianplatz, adjacent to the Frauenkirche.
This historical site was closed and on the brink of demolition when it was chosen for the film. The production team had free reign to take over and transform the site to reflect the different periods showcased in the movie. Renowned Director Anderson even considered purchasing the store to save it from destruction. Fortunately, it has since been taken over and is currently undergoing restoration.
To experience this iconic cinematic landmark, venture to Görlitz, Germany. It's just a short 1-hour and 20-minute drive from Dresden via A4. Nestled at the eastern edge of Demianplatz, right next to the Frauenkirche, you'll find the Görlitzer Warenhaus.
Gustave and Zero visit Schloss Lutz scene in The Grand Budapest Hotel
Hainewalde Manor, Kleine Seite 31, 02779 Hainewalde, Germany
Gustave (Ralph Fiennes), the devoted concierge of the Grand Budapest, learns about the mysterious death of Madame D. (Tilda Swinton) Alongside Zero (Tony Revolori), he rushes to her wake and the reading of her will. There, he finds out that she has left him "Boy with Apple," an incredibly valuable painting in her will. This revelation triggers outrage among her family members, who had all hoped to inherit the prized artwork.
The exterior of ‘Schloss Lutz’, the residence of the elderly Madame D., where Gustave and young Zero pay their respects after her demise, is filmed at Castle Hainewalde situated on the River Mandau, in Saxony.
With a history dating back to the 18th Century, this castle has witnessed significant events; in 1933, it was taken over by Nazi stormtroopers, who converted it into a temporary concentration camp for political prisoners. After the war, it served as a residential property but has remained unoccupied since 1972. Today, a private association established in 2000 is dedicated to preserving its historical significance.
To experience this iconic cinematic landmark, a journey to Saxony is required. Starting from Dresden, one can conveniently opt for a train or bus ride to Hainewalde. However, for the utmost convenience in exploring all the filming locations in Saxony, renting a car is highly recommended.
Mendl’s cafe scene in The Grand Budapest Hotel
Dresdner Molkerei Gebrüder Pfund GmbH, Bautzner Str. 79, 01099 Dresden, Germany
One of the film's charming characters, Agatha (Saoirse Ronan), works at Mendl's cafe, famous for its exquisite pastries. Meantime, the affable Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) even manages to befriend a group of inmates during his incarceration, sharing the delightful pastries from Mendl's with them. One iconic scene takes place within the prison walls where a guard, tasked with inspecting contraband items, hesitates to dismantle the pastries. Such is the reputation of Mendl's pastries as revered works of art that even the stern prison guard cannot bring himself to ruin them.
The scenes featuring Mendl’s cafe were filmed at Dresdner Molkerei Gebrüder Pfund in Dresden, Germany. Opened in 1892 by the Pfund brothers, this "most beautiful dairy shop in the world" is now one of Dresden's most beloved attractions. Known for their innovative spirit and quality products, the Pfund brothers aimed to provide the people of Dresden with regional and high-quality dairy products.
To experience this iconic cinematic landmark, you'll need to journey to Dresden and the Leipzig/Halle airport serves as the closest transportation hub. From there, you have two convenient options to reach Dresden: by car or train. Once in the city center, fans can leisurely explore and visit other captivating filming locations while strolling through the charming streets.
Jopling follows Kovacs to the museum scene in The Grand Budapest Hotel
Zwinger Museum, Sophienstraße, 01067 Dresden, Germany
Jopling (Willem Dafoe) continues his relentless pursuit of Kovacs (Jeff Goldblum) and the chase takes them through the shadows of an art museum. In a moment of heightened tension, Jopling forcefully shuts an exit door, tragically cutting off Kovacs' escape route and severing his fingers, before ultimately delivering the fatal blow.
This awe-inspiring scene was captured in the Zwinger, an opulent architectural masterpiece constructed during the early 18th century to host grand royal celebrations and events. Situated in Dresden, the Zwinger boasts rococo-style pavilions that were meticulously restored following the devastation of World War II. Nowadays, this magnificent complex serves as a home to numerous esteemed museums and galleries, among them the renowned Old Masters Picture Gallery (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister).
The Zwinger Museum, situated near the city center of Dresden, offers a captivating experience. Traveling from Berlin, one can reach the museum in approximately 2 hours by either car or train. If you're coming from Leipzig, the journey is even shorter, taking just under an hour and 20 minutes by car or train.
Zero marries Agatha scene in The Grand Budapest Hotel
The BASTEI Bridge, Basteiweg, 01824 Lohmen, Germany
After Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) designates Zero (Tony Revolori) as his successor, the newly appointed concierge, he presides over the wedding ceremony between Zero and Agatha (Saoirse Ronan). Fans are treated to a brief glimpse of this joyous occasion, as Zero and Agatha exchange their heartfelt vows on a picturesque mountain bridge.
This captivating wedding scene is beautifully framed against the backdrop of the remarkable Bastei Bridge in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Situated amid the breathtaking landscapes of Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland) in Germany, this rock formation is a sight to behold, having been sculpted by water erosion over a million years. Standing tall at a height of 1,000 feet, the Bastei Bridge commands a majestic view over the Elbe River.
To visit this cinematic landmark, the most convenient way to reach the Bastei Bridge is by car. For visitors coming from Prague, this journey typically takes between 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on your starting point in the city. From Dresden, the journey will take 50 minutes be car via A17. It is recommended to use GPS navigation and follow the directions until you reach the nearby parking area.
Conclusion
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) is a storytelling masterclass, a testament to Wes Anderson's distinctive filmmaking style. The nested narrative must be followed closely to catch crucial elements are innovative and captivating.
The performances are exceptional across the board. Anderson's ensemble cast brings a unique blend of contemporary American dialogue with curses, grisly slapstick humor, and myriad references from worldwide. The scenes range from the grand hotel, a dank prison, and a heavenly bakery to various steam-driven conveyances, each contributing to the movie’s rich tapestry.
Filmed primarily in the picturesque town of Görlitz, Germany, the movie transports viewers into a whimsically detailed world. The quaint streets and landmarks like the Dreifaltigkeityskirche (Trinity Church) provide a visually stunning backdrop.
The Grand Budapest Hotel has significantly contributed to the film industry by pushing boundaries regarding narrative structure, visual aesthetics, and character development. It's a shining example of how a director can refine their craft to create a work that stands out from their previous offerings.
This movie is an illusion and a dazzling art refuge that commiserates and consoles. It may not be what some Anderson fans expected, but it's a testament to his cinematic talent and ability to create a distinct universe.
The Grand Budapest Hotel is a standout film worth watching with its brilliant acting, creative screenplay, and stunning locations. Its influence on cinema is notable. Visiting these sites enhances appreciation of the film's artistry and the region's rich history.