Van Herpen builds gowns out of biomimicry, fractal geometry and neuroscience, and more than 140 of them are here, including pieces worn by Beyonce, Bjork, Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. They are staged against coral, fossils, skeletons and works by Philip Beesley, Rogan Brown and Nick Knight. If you have been putting this one off, the clock has run out.
What to expect
Galleries are dark and theatrically lit so the translucent, laser-cut and 3D-printed garments read as sculpture. Salvador Breed's soundscape follows you from room to room. Scientific artifacts and natural history specimens are placed beside the couture they inspired, which makes the biomimicry argument land visually rather than through wall text.
Good to know
- Take the 2/3 to Eastern Parkway-Brooklyn Museum; the entrance is right at the subway exit.
- This one needs a timed ticket, so book your entry slot before you leave home.
- Museum Members get in free and untimed, which is worth it if you plan a repeat visit.
- Late afternoon on a weekday is the quietest window for the dark garment galleries.
- The museum is fully accessible, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden next door makes an easy pairing.
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
How many garments are on view?
More than 140 haute couture creations, shown with contemporary artworks, scientific artifacts and natural history specimens.
Do I need a separate ticket?
Yes — this is a ticketed exhibition requiring a timed entry slot, though it is free and untimed for Museum Members.
Who has worn these designs?
Beyonce, Bjork, Cate Blanchett, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, among others.
More this weekend
