The Academy’s previous exhibition of the work of contemporary set decorators, installed in 1996, was such a hit it seemed logical to do it again, this time on a larger scale. A key component of every film, the work of the set decorator is highlighted with an interactive installation that delights the eye and explores the creative solutions of the entire production design team.

The Academy Fourth Floor Gallery is temporary home to worlds as diverse as those created for Dr. Seuss’ flights of fancy (The Cat in the Hat), modern and period horror stories (The Haunted Mansion and Van Helsing), swinging tales of ‘mod’ ‘60s singles (Down with Love), superheroes (Spiderman 2) crime-fighting vixens (Charlie’s Angels 2: Full Throttle), student magicians (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) and modern families (Cheaper by the Dozen).

Each film is represented by a 3-dimensional, interactive set, showcasing the set décor and prop items created for each of these films by the set decorator. A video reel containing film clips and interviews with the set decorators allows the visitor to further understand the journey from set design to finished film.

Several additional areas are featured on the fourth floor, including a photographic tour of the profession entitled “Set Decorators at Work,” a 3-dimensional “Decorator’s Work Space,” and an area dedicated to the numerous craftspeople with whom set decorators regularly collaborate.

The Grand Lobby Gallery features production materials from fourteen recent films, representing a wide range of periods and genres, illustrating the myriad of challenges faced by the set decorator. Photographs, production drawings, set designs and numerous other process materials are on view, from films as different as Anchorman, Northfork, Pluto Nash and Who's Your Daddy?. In addition, a “History Pavilion,” featuring photographs and a specially created short film, showcases the many landmark achievements in production design and set decoration that continue to inspire set decorators today.

Presented with the generous support of  and