Iris van Herpen's clothes barely read as clothes: skeletal 3D-printed shells, dresses that look like magnified diatoms, hand-cut acrylic that ripples like water caught mid-splash. Seeing 140 of them together, staged against natural-history specimens and scientific instruments, makes the argument the designer has always made — that couture and biology are the same problem approached from different sides. If you only get to one exhibition in Brooklyn before the year turns, this is the one people w
What to expect
Darkened galleries with garments lit as sculpture, arranged thematically rather than chronologically, with film and sound woven through. Van Herpen's construction detail rewards standing close, so allow more time than a typical fashion show. Expect crowds in the marquee rooms on weekend afternoons.
Good to know
- Take the 2/3 to Eastern Parkway–Brooklyn Museum; the entrance is directly at the subway.
- Timed entry sells out on weekend afternoons — booking ahead is the reliable route.
- Galleries are deliberately dark, so give your eyes a moment before judging the pieces.
- Photography rules vary by gallery; check the signage at each room.
- The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is next door if you want to make a longer day of it.
- Best for anyone interested in fashion, design or science — it works even if couture is not usually your thing.
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
How many pieces are in the show?
More than 140 haute couture creations, alongside contemporary artworks and scientific and natural-history objects.
How long does it run?
The exhibition is on view at the Brooklyn Museum from mid-May through early December 2026.
Is it included with museum admission?
Special exhibitions at the Brooklyn Museum are typically ticketed separately from general admission — check the museum's ticketing page.
