today at the museum Open today 10 am–5 pm
Costumes in the exhibit, including Black Panther, The Butler, and Malcolm X.

Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design

Opens March 22, 2025

From crafting the regal attire of a Wakandan king to shaping the vibrant aesthetic of Do the Right Thing, two-time Academy Award winner Ruth E. Carter has spent nearly four decades bringing stories to life through award-winning costume design. This exhibit showcases her personal collection, legendary costumes, and live programming designed to inspire young minds, spark creativity, and fuel imagination. Included with museum admission.

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In the exhibit

Featured Costumes

Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design features more than 60 costumes from Carter’s legendary film credits, including:

  • Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
  • Coming 2 America
  • Black Panther
  • Roots (2014)
  • Selma
  • Amistad
  • Malcolm X
  • Do the Right Thing

Wide shot of Black Panther costumes
Wide shot of Black Panther costumes

About Ruth E. Carter

Ruth E. Carter is a trailblazing, two-time Academy Award-winning American film costume designer, celebrated for her work in bringing to life the vibrant and culturally rich costumes of “Black Panther." Carter made history as the first Black person to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, securing Marvel Studios' first Oscar in the process. She repeated this groundbreaking success with “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” becoming the first Black woman to win multiple Academy Awards in any category and the first costume designer to win for both a film and its sequel. The award-winning costumes are a tribute to the people of Africa, blending traditional and contemporary elements with modern technology. She skillfully created Afrofuturistic designs that honor ancient cultures, empower the female form, and provide unparalleled representation on screen.
Ruth Carter Headshot
today at the museum
Open today 10 am–5 pm