“Ahh, James Bond museum … We’ve been expecting you.”
Though the Ötztal Alps in Austria never said those words (because they are, well, mountains), the area has been aching for the return of 007 since scenes from 2015’s Spectre were filmed in and around the ice Q mountain restaurant atop Mount Gaislachkogl’s peak in Sölden.
“They closed the mountain in order to film, but nobody minded. Everybody is very excited,” a ski guide named Norbert told The Independent after filming had wrapped in the 3,000-resident village. “It’s a real honor that they chose our little village.”
Good news for the Ötztals, Norbert and 007 fans worldwide: Bond will be back this summer.
Set to open on July 12, 007 Elements is a “cinematic installation” that will take visitors through a series of galleries and exhibits highlighting the signature elements that make up a Bond film. The museum will be Spectre-heavy but will cover the other 25 movies in the franchise as well.
Perched nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, the 13,990-square-foot installation is being built inside the summit of Gaislachkogl and is designed to blend in seamlessly with the snowy peak.
Offering spectacular views of the Tyrolean valleys below and accessible via a 12-minute gondola ride, the two-level structure was designed by Obermoser Architects, the same firm that’s responsible for the ice Q restaurant seen in Spectre. (It was portrayed as a psychiatric clinic in the film.)
A partnership between Bond-rightsholders EON Productions and MGM, 007 ELEMENTS is the brainchild of Neal Callow, the art director from Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre.
“Our aim with 007 ELEMENTS is to tell the story of the making of 007 films in an ultra-modern, emotive and engaging way,” Callow said. “We want to use this incredible location to place our guests into Bond’s environment, and bring the stories to life in a unique and unforgettable way.”
We’ll keep you updated as more details are released in the coming months, but for now, mark your calendar for July and consider purchasing tickets and making a reservation at the ice Q.
If you make it up to the Q, don’t forget to order a martini – shaken, not stirred.
This article was featured in the InsideHook newsletter. Sign up now.
