Current ExhibitS
Included with Museum Admission
HEROES & VILLAINS: THE ART OF THE DISNEY COSTUME
NOW – OCTOBER 25, 2026
EXPERIENCE DISNEY AT THE DURHAM THIS SUMMER!
This summer, step into the magic of Disney and discover the iconic looks of some of your favorite Disney characters in an enchanting, up-close experience for all ages. Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume is a showcase of nearly 70 mesmerizing ensembles spanning close to five decades of Disney film and television.
Photos courtesy of South Carolina State Museum and the Walt Disney Archives, © Disney
Get closer than ever to the original film-worn costumes of some beloved Disney heroes and villains, including Cinderella, Maleficent, Mary Poppins, Captain Jack Sparrow and Aladdin. Discover the craftsmanship behind exquisite gowns, majestic capes, mesmerizing uniforms and other props from live-action films.
Whether you’re a young Disney fan eager to see some of your favorite character’s costume, or a film and fashion fan wanting to discover the artistry and innovation behind every seam, Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume offers something for everyone!
Featuring:
- Ensembles donned by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Angelina Jolie, Bette Davis, Glenn Close, Emma Watson, Nicolas Cage, Disney Legend Oprah Winfrey and more.
- Exclusive video with a first-hand account of how legendary Emmy® and Academy-Award® winning costume designers approached expressing mood and motivations with each stitch.
- “Cinderella’s Workshop,” a gallery examining how several designers have applied their own unique style and artistry to different interpretations of the fairy tale heroine.
- Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume offers a complimentary companion audio guide in English and Spanish, providing deeper insight into the costumes, films and designers featured in the exhibition. Guests can access the guide at exhibits.archives.disney.com or via QR codes placed throughout the galleries. A transcript is also available for guests with hearing impairments.
Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume is curated by the Walt Disney Archives.
GOLDEN SPIKE DAYS PHOTO EXHIBITION
NOW – JULY 5, 2026
Explore how Omaha became the center of the entertainment world in 1939 in a Photo Archive display that captures the excitement of one of the city’s biggest spectacles. Omaha hosted “Golden Spike Days,” a four-day celebration for the world premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s film Union Pacific.
From parades to three Omaha theaters simultaneously screening the film and a grand costume ball finale, residents stepped back in time with false fronts on businesses and outfits to resemble life in 1869. The Golden Spike Days exhibit showcases the many happenings during this special occasion.
This project was curated by Durham Museum intern Sophie Krueger, University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate.
STRUCK IN INDEPENDENCE: COINS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
NOW – JANUARY 3, 2027
During the American Revolutionary War, colonies issued money emblazoned with symbols of liberty. The illustrations etched, embossed or printed were intentional and their everyday use reminded colonists of the ongoing struggle for independence. Byron Reed’s collection of rare documents, coins and books contain such pieces of colonial history.
Struck in Independence: Coins of the American Revolution features currency with unique perspectives on the American Revolutionary War. These include paper dollars with Latin phrases such as Serenabit, which translates to “It will clear up,” ensuring colonists that the storm of war will pass.
This exhibition was curated by Durham Museum intern Julia Mulloy, University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate.
ADMISSION
Adults: $17*
Seniors (62+): $14*
Military/Veteran: $14*
Children (ages 3 – 12): $10*
*PLUS TAX
Children 2 years and under FREE
Members: FREE!
BOOK YOUR TICKET »
Advance reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
Members, your free admission discount is applied near the end of the online registration process.
