This season at the Brooklyn Museum . . .
In with the old and the new! Journey from ancient Egypt to the future of fashion with our spring exhibitions.
For the first time ever, you can see one of the world’s only complete and gilded Books of the Dead. Discover its original owner—Ankhmerwer, son of Taneferher (“the one beautiful of face”)—and connect to a person who lived more than two millennia ago.
In May, immerse yourself in the singular designs of Iris van Herpen. Worn by luminaries including Beyoncé, Björk, Cate Blanchett, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, and Ariana Grande, Van Herpen’s designs draw on biomimicry, fractal geometry, and neuroscience—transforming cutting-edge discoveries into sculptural gowns and ethereal fabrics.
Vogue shares our excitement for this stunning exhibition. Stay tuned for ticket drops next month!
Open now
Lay eyes on one of the only complete and gilded Books of the Dead—the world’s finest existing copy. The Brooklyn Museum’s conservation team spent three years carefully restoring this 21-foot papyrus, which now debuts in a special Spotlight within our refreshed gallery dedicated to ancient Egyptian funerary practices.
Filled with gleaming vignettes, the scroll appears alongside one of the earliest Books of the Dead and fascinating artifacts, such as gold amulets and reed pens. Unrolling Eternity illuminates both ancient burial rites and the artistic prowess behind a rare masterpiece, as well as the cutting-edge techniques used to preserve it.
Opens May 16
Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses celebrates one of the most forward-thinking fashion designers of her generation.
A pioneer in the use of new technologies, Van Herpen transcends conventional clothing norms while embracing both traditional couture artisanship and innovative techniques. Ranging from the micro to the macro, the exhibition explores the body’s place in space, its relationship to clothing and its environment, and its future in a rapidly changing world.
More than 140 extraordinary haute couture creations are shown alongside contemporary artworks and designs—by artists including Philip Beesley, Rogan Brown, Casey Curran, Kim Keever, and Nick Knight—as well as scientific artifacts and natural history specimens such as coral, fossils, and skeletons. These accompanying pieces not only are placed in dialogue with Van Herpen’s designs, but also deeply inform and shape her creative process. Rare archival materials and a soundscape by composer Salvador Breed add to this interdisciplinary, multisensory experience.
Seems like you belong here.
When you become a Brooklyn Museum Member, you join a special group of art lovers and advocates. Your support helps fund free exhibitions and community programs—aiding in our mission to keep art accessible to all.
And did we mention the perks? You’ll receive:
- Free, untimed tickets to the Museum, including to special exhibitions such as Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses
- Exclusive invitations to Members-only hours and events
- Discounts on ticketed programs
Unrolling Eternity: The Brooklyn Books of the Dead is organized by Yekaterina Barbash, Curator, with Morgan Moroney, Assistant Curator, and Kathy Zurek-Doule, Curatorial Associate, Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Near Eastern Art.
Funding for the conservation of the illustrated Book of the Dead was generously provided through a grant from the Bank of America Art Conservation Project.
Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses is organized by Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris. The Brooklyn Museum presentation is organized by Matthew Yokobosky, Senior Curator of Fashion and Material Culture, with Imani Williford, Curatorial Assistant, Photography, Fashion, and Material Culture.
Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses is co-chaired by Sylvana and Adam Durrett, Jordan Roth, Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch, and Amanda and John Waldron.
This work is supported by the Simons Foundation and is part of its “Infinite Sums” initiative.
Leadership support is provided by Deedee and Barrie Wigmore.
Major support is provided by The Lauren Amos Foundation.
Significant support is provided by Nancy P. Magoon and John H. and Regina K. Scully.
From the top: Brooklyn Museum, 2023. (Photo: Andrew Brincka); Illustrated Book of the Dead (detail), 305–30 B.C.E. Papyrus, ink, gold, and paper. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1776E. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum); Iris van Herpen. Morphogenesis Dress, from the Sensory Seas collection, 2020. Laser-cut and screenprinted mesh, duchesse satin, and laser-cut Plexiglas. Collaborator: Philip Beesley. Model: Yue Han. (Photo: David Ụzọchukwu); First Saturday, 2018. (Photo: Kolin Mendez)
