'Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume' Exhibition Coming to MoPOP in October

Remember Johnny Depp’s debut as the swashbuckling scoundrel in Pirates of the Caribbean? How about Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker’s witching portrayal of the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus? Or Julie Andrews’ feature film debut in Mary Poppins?

Chances are you relate to at least one of those theatrical endeavors from Disney, and this October at the Museum of Pop Culture, the spectacular costumes that aided the development of each of those memorable characters will be on display as part of a new exhibition. Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume features more than 70 original items from the world of Disney, including ball gowns, sorcerers’ capes, military uniforms, tiaras, glass slippers, and much more.

In partnership with Walt Disney Archives, MoPOP will become the first museum to showcase the artistry and creativity of Disney’s costumes since the exhibition premiered at last year’s D23 Expo. The work of Hollywood’s preeminent designers will be on display, including Academy Award®-winners Colleen Atwood, Sandy Powell, and Tony Walton, as well as Emmy® winner Ellen Mirojnick and Emmy nominees Eduardo Castro and Penny Rose.

So, what can you expect to see? Exhibition-goers will be treated to an up-close, immersive experience spanning more than 55 years of costume in film, television, and theater. The main gallery will be split into three sections: “Disney Heroes,” “Disney Villains,” and “Spaces Between” — a place reserved for the costumes of Disney’s more complex antihero characters, like Depp’s performance of our friend (or foe?) Jack Sparrow.

“Cinderella’s Workshop,” a gallery centered around the beloved fairy-tale character’s dresses, will be another focal point. Plus, Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume will offer a handful of interactive elements and plenty of spots for you to snap the perfect selfie.

More information on our new exhibition, including details on the opening date in October, will become available in the months ahead. To stay in the know, be sure to keep tabs on our blog, follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter.

Learn more about Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume + for contests, the latest news, and behind-the-scenes content, be sure to follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.