Disney fans in Omaha (or visiting) will soon be able to check out Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume exhibit. On May 23rd, this exhibit will give fans the chance to step into the magic of Disney by getting up close to some iconic costumes from their favorite characters. This exhibit will be hosted by The Durham Museum and showcase nearly 70 ensembles that span nearly five decades of Disney film and television. This will give fans the chance to see original film-worn costumes from Disney heroes, villains, and antiheroes. This includes Cinderella, Maleficent, Mary Poppins, Captain Jack Sparrow, and Aladdin. As guests explore this exhibit, they will find exquisite gowns, majestic capes, mesmerizing uniforms, and other pieces from live-action films and the magic craftsmanship that brought them to life.
This exhibit will be fun for fans of all ages and fans of all kinds from across the library of Disney stories. Whether someone wants to see an iconic costume or the incredible craftsmanship found to bring them to life, there will be something for everyone.
“Disney has given us some of our most treasured stories and memories,” said Scott Eastman, director of marketing and PR, The Durham Museum. “To be surrounded by so many costumes of some iconic characters is a truly breathtaking experience for both the young and the young at heart.”
Throughout the exhibit, fans can learn how legendary Emmy and Academy Award-winning costume designers express mood and motivations with each stitch that is sewn. There will also be interviews and an exclusive video that has been made for this exhibition. There will also be the opportunity for guests to step into “Cinderella’s Workshop” and see how the classic character has been interpreted across different television and movie iterations.
Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume will be on display through the summer of 2026. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, The Durham Museum is open Mondays with extended hours until 8:00 PM on Tuesdays.
For those who want more magic from this exhibition, check out these special events:
Sunday Matinees at the Museum
Select Sundays, 1-3 p.m.Visitors can explore the exhibition, then see the costumes come to life on the screen in the museum’s Stanley & Dorothy Truhlsen Lecture Hall. Enjoy a classic moviegoing experience with optional concessions available for purchase from the museum’s old-fashioned Soda Fountain.
- Sunday, May 24 – Cinderella (2015) starring Lily James
- Sunday, June 21 – Beauty and the Beast (2017) starring Emma Watson
- Sunday, July 19 – National Treasure (2004) starring Nicolas Cage
- Sunday, August 16 – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) starring Disney Legend Johnny Depp
Screenings are open to the public. Regular admission applies and is free to museum members.
Behind the Seams: The Making of a Disney Exhibition
Thursday, June 4, 5-8 p.m.Join a special behind-the-scenes look at the exhibition and discover how this extraordinary experience came to life, from curating the original costumes to incorporating new additions from films like Cruella (2021) and Peter Pan & Wendy (2023). Don’t miss this rare peek into the artistry and imagination behind Disney storytelling.
A social hour and opportunity to view the exhibition begins at 5 p.m. with the presentation starting at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
This event is open to the public. Regular admission applies and is free for members. Advanced registration is required at DurhamMuseum.org, reservations@DurhamMuseum.org or 402-444-5071.
Drop-in Programming – Wednesdays and Saturdays!
Every Wednesday and Saturday, May 23–August 29
- Fairy Tale Storytime and Platform Play Wednesdays, 11 a.m.
Meet at The Platform for a read-aloud picture book followed by an opportunity to play dress-up with costumes and accessories that complement the Heroes & Villains exhibit. Your child is encouraged to come dressed as their favorite character!
- Disney Trivia: Wednesdays, 1–3 p.m.
Think you’re a Disney superfan? On Wednesdays, come test your knowledge of Disney films and characters.
- Heroes & Villains Exhibit Tours: Saturdays, 11 a.m.
Want to hear behind-the-scenes stories? Tag along with a museum educator and uncover the must-see highlights and fascinating details as you walk through the exhibition. All ages welcome.
Full museum hours and admission information can be found at DurhamMuseum.org. Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume is curated by the Walt Disney Archives. The exhibition is supported locally by the Richard Brooke Foundation; Valmont Industries; Douglas County, Nebraska; HDR, Inc.; Dr. C.C. & Mabel L. Criss Memorial Foundation; The Durham Society; and Millard Lumber Inc.
What do you think of this exhibit opening in Nebraska? Do you want to check it out? What costume would you most like to see? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
