Experience Disney Movie Magic During Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume

(Omaha, Neb.) – Disney is coming to The Durham Museum this summer.

Starting May 23, visitors can step into the magic of Disney and discover the iconic looks of some of their favorite characters in an enchanting, up-close experience for all ages. Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume, curated by the Walt Disney Archives, showcases nearly 70 ensembles spanning nearly five decades of Disney film and television. Get closer than ever to the original film-worn costumes of some beloved Disney heroes, villains and antiheroes, including Cinderella, Maleficent, Mary Poppins, Captain Jack Sparrow and Aladdin. Discover the craftsmanship behind exquisite gowns, majestic capes, mesmerizing uniforms and other pieces from live-action films.

Whether a young fan eager to see a beloved character’s costume or a film and fashion fan wanting to discover the artistry and innovation behind every seam, the exhibition offers something for all audiences.

“Disney has given us some of our most treasured stories and memories,” said Scott Eastman, director of marketing and PR. “To be surrounded by so many costumes of some iconic characters is a truly breathtaking experience for both the young and the young at heart.”

Hear how legendary Emmy® and Academy-Award® winning costume designers expressed mood and motivations with each stitch, with interviews and an exclusive video made just for this exhibition. Guests can also step into “Cinderella’s Workshop” to see how the classic character has been interpreted across different television and movie iterations.

The exhibit is complemented by a range of public programs. Join us for monthly Sunday matinee screenings of films featured in the exhibition. Additional offerings include guided tours on Saturdays, and trivia and story time on Wednesdays for families and young audiences.

Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume will be on display through the summer. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, The Durham Museum is open Mondays with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. For full museum hours and admission information, visit DurhamMuseum.org

Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume is curated by the Walt Disney Archives. The exhibition is supported locally by the Richard Brooke Foundation; Valmont Industries; Douglas County, Nebraska; HDR, Inc.; Dr. C.C. & Mabel L. Criss Memorial Foundation; The Durham Society; and Millard Lumber Inc. Media support is provided by KETV.

Related Exhibits and Programs

Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume Member-Only Preview
Friday, May 22, 5-9 p.m.
Be among the first in Omaha to experience the exhibition at this special member-only preview. Guests can enjoy tours from the Walt Disney Archives staff and activities to bring a little extra Disney magic to your visit. Compete in Disney trivia and games, then learn more about an incredible lineup of summer shows taking place at Omaha’s community theaters. Spots will fill up fast, so reserve yours today at DurhamMuseum.org. This event is for active members only.

Sunday Matinees at the Museum
Select Sundays, 1-3 p.m.
Visitors can explore the exhibition, then see the costumes come to life on the screen in the museum’s Stanley & Dorothy Truhlsen Lecture Hall. Enjoy a classic moviegoing experience with optional concessions available for purchase from our old-fashioned Soda Fountain.

• Sunday, May 24 – Cinderella (2015) starring Lily James
• Sunday, June 21 – Beauty and the Beast (2017) starring Emma Watson
• Sunday, July 19 – National Treasure (2004) starring Nicolas Cage
• Sunday, August 16 – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) starring Johnny Depp

Screenings are open to the public. Regular admission applies and is free to museum members.

Behind the Seams: The Making of a Disney Exhibition
Thursday, June 4, 5-8 p.m.
Join us for a special behind-the-scenes look at the exhibition and discover how this extraordinary experience came to life, from curating the original costumes to incorporating new additions from films like Cruella (2021) and Peter Pan & Wendy (2023). Don’t miss this rare peek into the artistry and imagination behind Disney storytelling.

A social hour and opportunity to view the exhibition begins at 5 p.m. with the presentation starting at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

This event is open to the public. Regular admission applies and is free for members. Advanced registration is required at DurhamMuseum.org, reservations@DurhamMuseum.org or 402-444-5071.

Drop-in Programming – Wednesdays and Saturdays!
Every Wednesday and Saturday, May 23–August 29

Fairy Tale Storytime and Platform Play: Wednesdays, 11 a.m.
Join us at The Platform for a read-aloud picture book followed by an opportunity to play dress-up with our costumes and accessories that complement the Heroes & Villains exhibit. Your child is encouraged to come dressed as their favorite character!

Disney Trivia: Wednesdays, 1–3 p.m. Think you’re a superfan? Join us on Wednesdays and test your knowledge of Disney films and characters

Heroes & Villains Exhibit Tours: Saturdays, 11 a.m. Want to hear behind-the-scenes stories? Tag along with a museum educator and uncover the must-see highlights and fascinating details as you walk through the exhibition. All ages welcome.

About The Durham Museum
The Durham Museum in Omaha’s beautiful art deco Union Station is home to permanent exhibits that preserve Omaha’s vibrant history, traveling exhibits covering subjects ranging from history and culture to science and industry and many entertaining, educational, family-oriented activities. The Durham Museum was established in 1975. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and has strong ties with national and international museums and lending institutions. For information about The Durham Museum, please visit the museum’s website at DurhamMuseum.org.

About the Walt Disney Archives
For more than 55 years, the Walt Disney Archives has carefully safeguarded the most treasured items from The Walt Disney Company’s history, including original scripts, movie props and costumes, Walt Disney’s correspondence and script notes, theme park artifacts, merchandise, millions of archival photographs, and many of Walt’s personal effects. Founded by Disney Legend Dave Smith in 1970, the Walt Disney Archives is a vital resource for every part of Disney, as well as an important research center for Disney scholars, researchers, and writers. The Archives also shares its countless pieces with Disney fans everywhere through its exhibitions and close association with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.