The Durham Museum in Omaha will open the exhibition “Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume” on May 23, 2026. This display brings nearly 70 ensembles from the Walt Disney Archives to the Midwest, including original film-worn costumes tied to some of Disney’s best-known characters. Visitors can examine iconic pieces from characters such as Cinderella, Maleficent, Mary Poppins, Captain Jack Sparrow, and Aladdin up close. The collection spans nearly five decades of Disney film and television history.
The exhibition highlights the craftsmanship behind gowns, capes, uniforms, and other garments used in live-action productions. Guests will have access to interviews and an exclusive video featuring Emmy and Academy Award-winning costume designers. These segments explain how specific stitches conveyed character mood and motivation. The display also includes a section called “Cinderella’s Workshop,” which shows how the character has been interpreted across different movie and television iterations.
Dates and Access
The exhibition runs through the summer of 2026. The Durham Museum operates on a specific schedule during this period. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the museum is open Mondays with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. Regular museum admission applies. Museum members receive free entry to the listed related events where member access is noted.
Several special events are scheduled alongside the main display. Sunday Matinees will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on select Sundays. These sessions allow visitors to explore the costumes before watching related films in the Stanley & Dorothy Truhlsen Lecture Hall. Concessions are available for purchase at the museum’s old-fashioned Soda Fountain.
Scheduled screenings include “Cinderella” on Sunday, May 24, 2026, and “Beauty and the Beast” on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Later dates feature “National Treasure” on July 19, 2026, and “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” on August 16, 2026. All screenings are open to the public.
Behind the Seams Event
A behind-the-scenes look at the exhibition is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event offers a rare peek into the curation process and the inclusion of new additions from films like “Cruella” and “Peter Pan & Wendy.” The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. A social hour and viewing opportunity start at 5 p.m. Refreshments are available for purchase.
Advance registration is required for this specific event. Interested guests must reserve their spots at DurhamMuseum.org, via email at [email protected], or by calling 402-444-5071. Regular admission applies to this event as well, with free entry for members.
Drop-in Programming
The museum will host several drop-in programs from May 23 through August 29, 2026. Fairy Tale Storytime and Platform Play are scheduled on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Disney Trivia is scheduled on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Heroes & Villains Exhibit Tours are scheduled on Saturdays at 11 a.m. These programs are designed for families and younger fans.
What to know
This exhibition is suitable for all ages. Young fans can see beloved character costumes, while film and fashion enthusiasts can study the artistry and innovation behind every seam. The Durham Museum director of marketing and PR, Scott Eastman, noted that being surrounded by iconic costumes is a breathtaking experience. The event aims to connect visitors with treasured stories and memories associated with Disney.
No specific ticket prices were listed in the source text beyond the distinction between regular admission and member access. Guests should plan to arrive early for Sunday matinees to ensure they can view the costumes before the film screening.
Shark Take: Plan your visit around the specific film screenings if you want to see the costumes in context. Remember to register in advance for the June 4 behind-the-scenes event because advance registration is required.
Source: D23 News
Discover more from Theme Park Shark
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
