Celebrate 50 years of preserving fashion history and supporting the Chicago History Museum’s world-renowned costume collection!  

The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to be a part of a historic evening as we enjoy a first look at the brand-new exhibition, Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective.

What do a red sequin burlesque costume, a pair of original Air Jordan 1s, a baby’s wool bathing suit, and an enormous white tulle Christian Dior gown have in common? All these wearable artifacts are preserved in the Chicago History Museum’s vast costume collection, which strives to represent the many different people and stories that make up our city.

Featuring 70 rarely seen objects, from glamorous gowns and sharp suits to housedresses and sneakers, Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective explores how clothing captures the material, social, and changing cultural values throughout history. The exhibition celebrates 100 years of an incredible collection and the donors, curators, and staff who have shaped it.

This unforgettable celebration of the Costume Council’s 50th anniversary includes a first look at this historic exhibition. Enjoy dinner while experiencing a fashion show featuring Chicago designers, and dance the night away at the Golden Hour Afterparty. Join us for a golden evening commemorating Chicago’s incredible fashion history.

$350 – Costume Council Golden Jubilee Ticket 
Begins at 6 p.m., includes seated dinner, exhibition preview, fashion show, & Golden Hour Afterparty

$150 – Golden Hour Afterparty 
Begins at 8 p.m., includes exhibition preview, fashion show, dancing, drinks, & late-night bites