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Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design

April 1–August 6, 2023

Academy Award–winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter has defined generations through her work in film and TV. Her art adds dimensionality, flair, and culture to the characters she envisions, giving power to the incredible actors who wear her designs. Her vibrancy and attention to detail in costuming is integral to translating stories of race, politics, and culture to the big screen. From humble roots in Massachusetts, Carter has helped style the Afrofuturism movement for almost 40 years.

Creating pieces for films such as Black PantherMalcom XSelma, and Do the Right Thing, Carter has designed costumes for legends like Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Chadwick Boseman, Eddie Murphy, Angela Bassett, and Forest Whitaker.

In this exhibition the NCMA displays more than 60 of Carter’s original garments while also showcasing her immersive process, historical research, and the attention to detail that imbues every project she brings to life.

BECOME A MEMBER

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Learn more about the perks of membership, including free exhibition tickets.

GET TICKETS

Tickets go on sale February 15 at 10 am for Members and March 1 at 10 am for Nonmembers.

Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design is organized by Julia Long.

Support for this exhibition is made possible, in part, by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources; the North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation, Inc.; and the William R. Kenan Jr. Endowment for Educational Exhibitions. Research for this exhibition was made possible by Ann and Jim Goodnight/The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fund for Curatorial and Conservation Research and Travel.


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Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit

Have a question or need help? Email our visitor experience team at help@ncartmuseum.org.

Museum Hours

Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm

Closed Monday and Tuesday

Guidelines

  • Visitors can place large bags and water bottles in Museum lockers; luggage is not permitted.
  • For accessibility questions or accommodations, email Felicia Ingram at felicia.ingram@ncdcr.gov.
  • Photography is permitted unless otherwise noted.
Tickets

GET TICKETS

Free for Members
$20 Adults, $17 Seniors and Military
Free for ages 21 and under and college students

Become a Member

Become a member today to enjoy special savings!

BECOME A MEMBER

Enhance your experience of all special exhibitions and our world-class collection with these exclusive benefits:

  • Free admission for all special ticketed exhibitions 
  • Exclusive Member Mondays during select ticketed exhibitions
  • Invitations to exhibition openings and other celebrations
  • Discount on summer concerts in the Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Theater in the Museum Park
  • Discount on NCMA Cinema tickets
  • Free admission to summer movies
  • 10% off purchases in the Museum Store
  • Preview, the Museum’s quarterly members publication, mailed to your home
  • Member e-newsletters
Location and Parking

Location

2110 Blue Ridge Road
Raleigh, NC 27607

Parking

Visitor parking is free and available in the Blue Ridge lots, on the right after entering the Museum drive. Overflow parking is behind West Building, on the left after entering the Museum drive. Visitor drop-off is located between West and East buildings and can be reached by turning left after entering the Museum drive and following the signs.

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