Flyer for Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses at the Brooklyn Museum: On view May 16–Dec 6, 2026 at Brooklyn Museum

Illustration by Stumblday, not event photography

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Exhibition

Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses at the Brooklyn Museum

Check hours before you go

Timed ticket required; free and untimed for members

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ArtFashionImmersive

140-plus couture pieces worn by Beyoncé, Björk and Lady Gaga fill Iris van Herpen's North American debut at the Brooklyn Museum.

Iris van Herpen makes gowns that look grown rather than sewn, drawing on biomimicry, fractal math and neuroscience, and they have been worn by Beyoncé, Björk, Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. More than 140 of her couture pieces sit beside coral, fossils, skeletons and works by James Turrell, Tara Donovan and Nick Knight, with a soundscape by Salvador Breed. It is the most photogenic fashion show in the city.

What to expect

The exhibition moves from ocean depths to outer space, with sections on water, motion, sound and light. Expect sculptural gowns under dramatic lighting, natural history specimens placed in dialogue with the designs, rare archival materials and an immersive sound design.

Good to know

  • Timed tickets are required, so book ahead for weekends
  • Members can enter without booking a timed slot
  • The Eastern Parkway–Brooklyn Museum stop on the 2/3 is right outside
  • Located on the fifth floor in the Schapiro Wing and Cantor Gallery
  • Pair with Keisha Scarville's plaza installation, which closes soon

Common questions

Do I need a separate ticket?

Yes. It is a ticketed exhibition requiring a timed ticket; it is free and untimed for Museum Members.

Is this the first time the show is in North America?

Yes. The Brooklyn Museum stop is the North American debut.