The article was originally produced on December 23, 2019, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

If you want to experience James Bond up close, it can actually happen either on an Austrian mountaintop or in Manhattan itself.

If you, like me, are a loyal fan of James Bond, you probably haven't missed that there is a new film coming out in April next year. No Time to Die is the name and it is number 25 in the order if you count the official films. The trailers have just been released and they look very promising. Bond is once again played by Daniel Craig and I'm counting the seconds until it's time for the premiere. But if you can't resist and have worn out every single Bond reel there is, it is actually possible to get a little closer to this British agent: 007 Elements in Sölden and SpyScape in New York. 

007 Elements Sölden

On top of the mountain Gaislachkogel is the James Bond center 007 Elements. The beautifully situated building at an altitude of 3040 meters was designed and constructed by the architect Johann Obermoser. The center houses a museum and experience center that was made in collaboration with creative director Neal Callow who was the art director on the last films with Daniel Craig in the lead role.

007 Elements is located in the location where some of the scenes from the second most recent film Spectre was recorded. Here you can get "behind the scenes" experiences and stories, but also see authentic props from the films. The building is made of concrete and placed on a rock ledge with a fantastic view. Next door is a glass building that was the inspiration for the health center The Hoffer Klinik, where Doctor Madeleine Swann worked Spectre. The center of the film was indeed processed in a digital studio, but you definitely recognize yourself if you've seen the film. The actual building does not house a health center but a restaurant called Ice Q and is well worth a visit.

Just below you will find one of the Land Rover Defenders that was involved Spectre in the car chase where Bond chases the villains in an airplane. This aircraft can be found inside the center where you can see how the scenes were made in real life. Unique to all Bond films is that they mostly try to make the scenes real, so they avoid making them in CGI computers. It gives a better experience but of course costs a lot more. In addition to the center, the mountain also offers world-class skiing! 

SpyScape New York

If you happen to pass by New York, you should take the time to visit SpyScape, which is located just a couple of blocks from Times Square. Here, just like at 007 Elements, you can look at props and "behind the scenes" material from the film SkyFall starring Daniel Craig. The selection is far from as large as on 007 Elements, but on the other hand, you have something that hits really loud. Namely one of the Aston Martin DB5 used in the films.

The car was purchased by the person who owns the center and is in very good condition. On the walls around the room where the car is, various drawings and parts from the car's various functions taken from Q's lab are displayed. Very fun to experience and something you would never otherwise come close to. You can also see drawings by Oscar-winning production designer Sir Ken Adams, who made the high-explosive final scene in Heavy rain. In addition to its Bond exhibition, SpyScape is a center where you can experience being an agent for a day. You can do various tests and exercises to see your skills as an agent. 

For more information such as opening hours, prices and more visits spyscape.com.