The free three-day experience will bring the Criterion Closet, Wes Anderson film screenings, exclusive merch, and more to the Hollywood Bowl.
Film lovers, prepare to step straight into the meticulously crafted world of Wes Anderson. This summer, Criterion is transforming the Hollywood Bowl into a cinematic playground dedicated to one of modern filmmaking’s most distinctive directors.
From July 10–12, 2026, visitors can explore the first-ever Criterion Cinema, browse the legendary Criterion Mobile Closet, shop exclusive merchandise, listen to iconic soundtracks, and celebrate the films of Wes Anderson during a special weekend experience timed with the Hollywood Bowl’s Music from the Films of Wes Anderson concert series.
Where is the event taking place?
The Criterion Cinema and Criterion Mobile Closet will be set up at the Hollywood Bowl’s Kagan Patio.
What is the Criterion Cinema?
Making its debut in Los Angeles, the Criterion Cinema is a free public space dedicated to film discovery and celebration.
The experience includes screenings curated by Wes Anderson himself, featuring both his own work and films that helped shape his artistic vision. Guests can also:
- Browse exclusive Criterion merchandise.
- Relax in a viewing lounge streaming titles from the Criterion Channel
- Explore a listening booth featuring soundtracks from Anderson’s films on vinyl
While admission to the Criterion Cinema is free, screening seats must be reserved in advance.
What films will be screening?
The weekend schedule includes a mix of Anderson favorites, classic inspirations, short films, and original programming.
Highlights include:
- The Darjeeling Limited
- Yojimbo
- Amarcord
- Belle de jour
- A selection of Wes Anderson short films
- Special original programming created for the event
A complete screening schedule is expected to be announced by July 5.
What is the Criterion Closet?
For cinephiles, the Criterion Closet has become something of a legend. The original Closet lives inside Criterion’s Manhattan offices and contains every in-print release from the Criterion Collection.
Over the years, filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists have filmed “Closet Picks” videos in which they browse the shelves and discuss their favorite films.
The Mobile Closet is a traveling recreation of that iconic space, stocked with more than 1,700 films from around the world and arranged exactly like the original.
How to get tickets for the Criterion Mobile Closet
For the first time, access to the Mobile Closet will be handled through a timed-entry lottery.
Visitors can select their preferred one-hour time slot and enter for a chance to receive a three-minute visit inside the Closet.
Lottery timeline:
- Registration opens June 16
- Registration closes June 23
- Winners will be notified June 26
No purchase is required to participate. And you can enter the lottery here.
What happens during a Criterion Closet visit?
Once inside, guests will have three minutes to browse the collection, discuss favorite films, or film their own Closet Picks-style video.
Every visitor receives:
- A Polaroid photo with their selections
- A Criterion tote bag (while supplies last)
- A printed pocket guide to the Criterion Collection
The Closet team will also be available to help visitors locate specific titles.
Can you buy movies inside the Criterion Closet?
Visitors can purchase up to three physical-media titles during their visit and receive a special 40% discount in celebration of Criterion’s 40th anniversary.
The discount applies only to physical-media purchases made through the Mobile Closet and does not extend to merchandise sold elsewhere at the event.
Is the event free?
The Criterion Cinema is free and open to the public, and visiting the Criterion Mobile Closet is also free if you secure a lottery reservation. However, the Hollywood Bowl concert requires a separate concert ticket.
Can you visit the closet without winning the lottery?
Yes, during concert hours, the Mobile Closet will be open exclusively to concert ticket holders.
Concert attendees can access the Closet on:
- July 10–11: from 6 p.m.–10 p.m.
- July 12: from 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Whether you’re a lifelong Criterion collector or simply a fan of The Grand Budapest Hotel, this may be the closest Los Angeles has ever come to stepping directly into a Wes Anderson film.
Date: July 10–12, 2026
Location: Hollywood Bowl – Kagan Patio (2301 N Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068)
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