Current Exhibitions

Behind the Veil: Brides and their Dresses

April 6, 2013 – August 11, 2013

Whether extravagant or frugal, traditional or fashion-forward, the story behind a bride’s dress has much to tell us about her life as well as our common culture. A symbol of love and commitment, the wedding dress personifies girlhood fantasies, a moment of transition, a performance of cultural values. Behind the Veil: Brides and Their Dresses explores how brides over the past 100 years have chosen their wedding dresses, and how their decisions are shaped by fashion, family, and finances. This exhibition highlights not only the dresses worn on the big day, but the stories of the women who wore them – whether a traditional princess-style dress or a funky animal print, whether a simple homemade dress from the early 19th century or a mini worn in 1969. How have women created alternatives to the iconic white dress, or how have they embraced the fairytale wedding? More than an historical survey, this exhibition explores generations of women and the stories of their bridal attire.

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On-going

Textile Revolution: An Exploration through Space and Time

Wednesdays – Sundays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Visit the ATHM’s core exhibition, Textile Revolution: An Exploration through Space and Time, to spin, weave, recycle, and design your way through textile history. See how textiles are changing your world, from protective clothing for firefighters and soldiers to revolutionary “shark skin” suits for our gold-medal Olympic swimmers - and so much more. You’ll never look at the fascinating world of textiles the same way again.

Learn more information about Textile Revolution >>