Who Is the Costume Center at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Named For?

Art|Art Museum

The Costume Center at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest and most comprehensive costume collections in the world. The collection includes over 35,000 objects ranging from ancient Egyptian garments to modern designer gowns. The Costume Center is named for Irene Lewisohn, a pioneering collector of 20th-century fashion who donated her entire collection to the Met in 1929.

Irene Lewisohn was born in 1881 in New York City. She was the daughter of a wealthy banker and art collector and grew up surrounded by fine art and antiques.

She developed an interest in fashion early on and began collecting clothing from around the world. In 1919, she opened her own store on Fifth Avenue, where she sold antique clothing as well as designs by leading couturiers such as Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret.

In 1929, Lewisohn donated her entire collection—which included over 2,000 pieces—to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum established the Irene Lewisohn Costume Collection in her honor, making it one of the first costume collections established at any major American museum. The collection was later renamed The Costume Institute and is now known as The Costume Center at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Costume Center houses a wide range of clothing from around the world spanning centuries of history, including garments worn by royalty, celebrities and everyday people alike. It also includes accessories such as hats, shoes, jewelry, handbags and other items associated with dress throughout history. In addition to its permanent collection, The Costume Center also features rotating exhibitions that showcase specific eras or trends in fashion history.

Today, The Costume Center at The Metropolitan Museum of Art is named for Irene Lewisohn—a pioneering figure who helped establish costume collections at major museums across America. Her passion for fashion has inspired generations to explore the history of dress through art and design.

Conclusion:

The Costume Center at The Metropolitan Museum of Art is named for Irene Lewisohn—an influential collector whose passion for fashion has inspired many to explore the history of dress through art and design.