Historic Costume & Textiles Collection

Exploring the Historic Costume & Textiles Collection in Columbus, Ohio

The Historic Costume & Textiles Collection, located at The Ohio State University in Columbus, is a renowned resource dedicated to apparel and textile material culture. This vast collection, which houses over 11,500 items, encompasses a diverse range of clothing and textile artifacts. These artifacts span from national dress costumes to contemporary designs, covering a timeline from the mid-18th century to the 21st century.

Exhibits and Collections

While the exhibit gallery is currently closed due to renovations in Campbell Hall, the Historic Costume & Textiles Collection continues to engage visitors through its engaging themes. Notable past exhibitions have included The Silk Road and Flower Power: Flora in Fashion and Botany in Buttons. These exhibitions showcase the intersection between fashion and nature, exploring how botanical influences have shaped design.

Another fascinating display is Fashion & Music, where artifacts portray the deep connections between various music genres and style trends. This exhibition highlights how fashion has evolved alongside music, showcasing influences from Folk to Rock and Hip-Hop.

Special Collections

The collection also features several special holdings, including the Philip and Helen Sills Bonnie Cashin Collection and the Ann W. Rudolph Button Collection. These special collections offer unique insights into the artistry of apparel design and accessory making. Additionally, the Textile Collection and the 20th Century Designer Collection are significant resources for scholars and enthusiasts.

One of the most compelling exhibitions is Reforming Fashion, 1850-1914: Politics, Health, and Art, which examines how various movements influenced fashion during a transformative period in history. Another popular exhibition, Fashion American Style: 1900-1999, chronicles America’s rise to prominence in the global fashion scene throughout the 20th century.

Access and Research

The Historic Costume & Textiles Collection is accessible to researchers by appointment, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to reach out via telephone or email for further information regarding exhibitions, programs, and events. The collection is located at:

Historic Costume & Textiles Collection
1787 Neil Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210
Telephone: (614) 292-3090
Email: strege.2@osu.edu

The museum serves as both a scholarly and artistic resource, enriching the understanding of fashion and textiles. Whether you’re a researcher, student, or fashion enthusiast, the Historic Costume & Textiles Collection is a valuable destination to explore the art and history behind clothing and fabrics.