Costume balls – Dressing up History, 1870-1927

A century and a half ago, extravagant costume balls and skating carnivals were the pinnacle of society entertainments, bringing forth a kaleidoscopic array of fanciful costumed characters. However, beneath all the anachronistic exuberance, these balls reinforced core myths of colonial destiny and imperial futures. This exhibition tells an extraordinary story, showcasing some of the most extraordinary objects in the Museum’s collections.