The Durham Museum to Host Dressing the Abbey Costume Exhibition
The Durham Museum is excited to host Dressing the Abbey, a costume exhibition which highlights fashion from one of the most widely watched television dramas in the world, Downton Abbey™. The exhibit will be on display September 24, 2022 – January 8, 2023. Dressing the Abbey weaves popular culture, fashion and history in an exhibition borrowed from Downton Abbey’s™ wardrobe.
Experience original costumes worn by the stars of Downton Abbey™ that depict fashions of the British aristocracy in the early 20th century. The exhibition showcases the turbulence and changes in the late Edwardian era through the 1920s through the fashions of the period while evoking fans’ favorite moment. The exhibition presents the award-winning costumes created for the British hit drama produced by the London Academy award winning costumier, Cosprop Ltd. The costumes were created for the television show’s aristocratic Crawley family and their servants who inhabit the fictional English country estate of Downton Abbey™. The costumes range from country tweeds and riding outfits; servants’ uniforms and footmen’s livery; to lavish evening attire crafted from sumptuous fabrics and decorated with intricate embroidery, lace and beading.
Downtown Abbey™ ran for six seasons from 2011-2016 and covered historic events such as the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 to the dawn of the Jazz Age in the early 1920s. Downtown Abbey™ also had a major motion film which was released in the United States on September 20, 2019. A second film was just released on May 20, 2022.
The exhibition is developed and distributed by Exhibits Development Group in. cooperation with Cosprop Ltd., London, England. The exhibition is not endorsed by, sponsored by, licensed by, associated with, or otherwise affiliated with the television series Downton Abbey™, NBC Universal International, Carnival Film and Television Limited or their representatives.
The exhibit is supported locally by Howard and Rhonda Hawks, Douglas County, HDR, DF Dillon Foundation, Kathi and Louis Rotella, Jr. and Shirley and Dan Neary. Additional support provided by Whitmore Charitable Trust. Media supported provided by KETV.
EXHIBIT RELATED EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Special Preview Event!
Thursday, September 22, 6-9PM
Tickets are $40 for members; $50 for non-members
It’s the social event of the season and you’re invited! Be the first to experience Dressing the Abbey during our special preview event, “Downton at The Durham.” Must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets include admission to the museum, one drink ticket and all the evening’s activities. Though optional, guests are welcome to dress in attire appropriate to the Downton Abbey™ era. Purchase tickets online at DurhamMuseum.org or by calling 402-444-5071.
“Downton at The Durham” event includes:
- A first look at Dressing the Abbey
- Downton Abbey™ inspired hors d’oeuvres, tea and desserts
- Cash bar available for cocktails, beer, wine and soda
- Ballroom dancing with live music from the Bel Canto Duo and performances/lessons from Vintage Ballroom
- Indoor croquet on our custom-built courts – Croquet Omaha will be on hand to give guests pointers on the game and show off some trick shots
- Vintage cars from the era
- Photo ops, a scavenger hunt and much more!
V.I.P. Tea Talk
Breakfast & Tour
Saturday, November 5, 8:30–10AM
It’s Teatime! Join us for tea and a light breakfast followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of Dressing the Abbey. This in-depth gallery tour will include additional objects related to the exhibition from the museum’s permanent collection. Museum educators and collections staff will guide this tour in a small group, allowing you to get up close before the exhibition opens to the public for the day. This VIP experience costs $30 for museum members and $40 for non-members. Register online at DurhamMuseum.org or by calling the Education Services department at 402-444-5027.
Dressing the Abbey “What is it Wednesdays”
Wednesdays, September 28 – January 4, 2023, 10AM–Noon
Our popular “What is it Wednesday” series is getting a new look for Dressing the Abbey! Each week, our “What is it Wednesday” display will feature an item from our collection related to the era of the popular TV series, Downton Abbey™. This drop-in programing is included with museum admission and no registration is required.
About Exhibits Development Group (EDG)
The Exhibitionists are dedicated to the development, production, marketing, and distribution of traveling museum exhibitions and cultural projects worldwide. EDG serves as a partner to museums, foundations, collection owners and other exhibition organizers, in the U.S. and abroad in the care and stewardship of their exhibitions and collections. EDG’s mission is to initiate and promote international cultural and intellectual exchange by bringing high-quality traveling exhibitions of art, science, and history to broad and diverse audiences.
