The heart of The Walt Disney Company has always been anchored in storytelling. From the characters we know and love to the behind-the-scenes details that make every experience so authentic and genuine, there are many aspects to appreciate. Now, in a new D23 premiere event at the Arlington Museum of Art, there are two new exhibitions for Disney fans to enjoy in a display of Disney creativity. Read all the details of Heroes & Villains and Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives:
D23 Premiere Event: Heroes & Villains and Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives at Arlington Museum of Art
September 12, 2024 – Arlington Museum of Art
Don’t miss your chance to be among the very first to journey through the magic and wonder of Disney costumes and storytelling at the Arlington Museum of Art! You are invited to a D23 Member-exclusive special preview event featuring two spectacular exhibitions: Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume and All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives.
Please join us (costumes welcome!) as we debut these dazzling exhibits in the Lone Star State. Stay tuned—more details and ticket on-sale for this D23 Member-Exclusive Event are coming in late July!
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT (Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume)
Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume immerses visitors in the textural storytelling and character development woven into Disney’s iconic costumes. The exhibition is organized into three Disney archetypes: heroes, villains, and the spaces between, dedicated to the complex and intriguing antiheroes of Disney storytelling.
The exhibition features a stunning collection of original costumes, including the Sanderson Sisters’ wicked wardrobe from Hocus Pocus 2 (2022); Mary Poppins’ delightful traveling dress from Mary Poppins Returns (2018); Belle’s ball gown from 2017’s Beauty and the Beast; the Evil Queen and Hook’s costumes from Once Upon a Time (TV, 2011-18); and the dress worn by Bette Davis as Letha in Return from Witch Mountain (1978).
Through original items including ball gowns, sorcerers’ capes, a pirate’s jacket, and iconic glass slippers, Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume celebrates the artistry of some of Hollywood’s preeminent designers. Included in the exhibition are costumes created by Academy Award® winners Colleen Atwood (also a newly named Disney Legend!), Sandy Powell, and Tony Walton, as well as Emmy® winner Ellen Mirojnick and Emmy nominees Eduardo Castro and Penny Rose.
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT (All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives)
All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives dazzles with prized pieces of jewelry and accessories. From crowns and tiaras to watches, rings, and necklaces, this exhibition gives visitors the rare opportunity to see these iconic jewels up close, while gaining an understanding of how integral they are to completing the ensemble and informing the character.
The exhibit is presented in five parts: Every Little Detail brings together over 80 small pieces from earrings, cuff links, rings, and more; The Feature Vault is an incredible collection of crowns, tiaras, necklaces, and pendants; Watches Through the Decades chronologically showcases the Walt Disney Archives’ collection of wrist and pocket watches; Made for Screen gives visitors a peek behind the curtain to see the process of creating some of the most iconic jewelry props; and Reflections of Reality showcases jewelry and accessories that were heavily influenced and inspired by real-life people and stories.
Bringing together some of the best of old and new, All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives includes King Brian’s crown from Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959) used by Jimmy O’Dea, Elizabeth Swann’s pirate medallion necklace from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) used by Keira Knightley, Mia’s coronation crown from Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement (2004) used by Anne Hathaway, and Ursula’s shell necklace from The Little Mermaid (2023) used by Melissa McCarthy to capture Ariel’s voice.
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