
Heroes & Villains:
The Art of the Disney Costume
Presented by the Walt Disney Archives
Exhibit at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation®
- June 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023
- Time: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Location: The Gallery by General Motors

“Most people are not aware that it’s about designing a total person, not just clothing. I’m designing a character from head to foot."
—Three-time Academy Award® nominee Judianna Makovsky
Across nearly every medium Disney has touched, since the earliest days of animation, through innovations in live-action filmmaking, pioneering efforts in television, location-based entertainment and retail, and even gaming—one creative aspect of Disney has been seldom-recognized, but ever-present: that of costume design.
This exhibition explores nearly six decades of films produced by The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Television, and Disney Theatrical Group, in an effort share with guests the level of craftsmanship and artistry required to produce every costume presented across stage and screen. Incorporating 79 costumes from 32 films and representing 24 different designers worn by 71 different actors, Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume will prove to be truly unique and magical experience for guests of all ages.
Using more than 70 original pieces, including ball gowns, sorcerers’ capes, military uniforms, tiaras, and of course glass slippers, the exhibition explores the vision, process, and craft used to create the costumes worn by some of the biggest names in entertainment. Heroes & Villains features costumes from some of Disney’s kindest heroes and toughest villains, as well as insights from designers, photographs, interactives, and a special film.
Exhibition Costume Highlights
- 101 Dalmatians (1996) - Cruella de Vil
- Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) - Red and White Queen
- Beauty and the Beast (2017) - Belle ball gown, Gaston and Beast
- Cinderella (2015) - Cinderella ball gown
- Hocus Pocus (1993) - Sanderson Sisters dresses and vacuum
- Mary Poppins (1964) - Traveling dress
- Once Upon A Time (2017) - Evil Queen and Hook
- Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) - Jack Sparrow and Barbossa
Featured Programs and Guests
Daily June 25- January 1 | Experiment with History Learn how filmmakers and costume designers past and present use science, math and culture in their craft and character development. |
Fridays only, July 1-Sept. 23, Nov. 11-25 1:00-4:00 p.m. | Clothing Studio Demonstrations The Henry Ford’s Period Clothing Studio creates hundreds of garments each year for everyday use in Greenfield Village and for Hallowe’en and Holiday Nights. On Friday afternoons this summer, watch as our talented seamstresses demonstrate their craftsmanship on storybook costumes and historic garments. Located near Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume. |
Select Days July-November 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Crafternoons Join us once a month for our Crafternoons series. Every month we will explore a different type of fiber art or design. Watch demonstrations, meet artists, and try it out for yourself!
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Disney Films at Giant Screen Experience
Disney Throwback films play at 7 p.m. on select dates July-November. A sensory-friendly version of select films will play select days, learn more.
July 8, 2022 | Pirates of The Caribbean (2003) |
August 13, 2022 | Cinderella (2015)
Open Caption (On-Screen Subtitles) |
September 9, 2022 | |
October 7, 2022 | |
October 28-29, 2022 |
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November 11, 2022 | |
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Fairy Godmother Cinderella (2015)
(Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures), Walt Disney Archives, ©Disney
Gaston Beauty and the Beast (2017)
(Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures), Walt Disney Archives, ©Disney
Belle Beauty and the Beast (2017)
(Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures), Walt Disney Archives, ©Disney
Winifred Sanderson Hocus Pocus (1993)
(Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures), Walt Disney Archives, ©Disney
Mrs. Who, A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
(Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures), Walt Disney Archives, ©Disney
Ticket Prices
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Member | Nonmember | |
---|---|---|
Senior (62+) | Free | $27.00 |
General Admission (12-61) | Free | $30.00 |
Youth (5-11) | Free | $22.50 |
Children (4 & Under) | Free | Free |
* Ticket prices are subject to change.