Laura's Miscellaneous Musings: Academy Museum Charter Member Preview, Part 2

Thursday, September 30, 2021

Academy Museum Charter Member Preview, Part 2

The Academy Museum opened today, September 30, 2021.

On Monday I took a Charter Member Preview Tour. My critique of the museum, including numerous photos, was posted Tuesday in Part 1.

In this Part 2 post I'll be sharing photos of some of the interesting things we saw. Part 3, coming soon, will focus on animation exhibits.

Spoiler alert: Anyone who hasn't yet seen CITIZEN KANE (1941) and doesn't want to know the meaning of "Rosebud" should skip over this post and come back to it after seeing the movie. Rosebud was on display and is seen in a photograph towards the bottom of this post.

Along with the Mount Rushmore backdrop for NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959), I think my favorite thing in the museum was this Travis Banton gown worn by Claudette Colbert in CLEOPATRA (1934). The design is stunning, and it was fascinating to be able to look at the details up close. Click on this or any photo to enlarge for a closer look.

This dress was worn by Shirley Temple in LITTLE MISS BROADWAY (1938). It was designed by Gwen Wakeling.

William Travilla gowns worn by Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe in GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (1953).

The pinafore worn by Judy Garland in THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939). The display card indicates that the blouse is not original to the film.

The purchase of this pair of the famous Ruby Slippers was funded in part by Steven Spielberg.

A munchkin's costume. That's a makeup test for Gale Sondergaard as the Wicked Witch on the wall in the background. The role was eventually played by Margaret Hamilton.

THE WIZARD OF OZ display presented a comprehensive look at the workings of a studio and the contributions of various departments to make a single film. I thought it was one of the best exhibits in the museum.

Costume tests of a variety of actors from different productions.

A costume worn by Danai Gurira in BLACK PANTHER (2018)

I'm sure R2-D2 and C-3PO don't need an introduction!

There were originally three "Rosebud" sleds built for CITIZEN KANE (1941). Two were burned shooting two different takes. The lone survivor, below, as purchased by Steven Spielberg.

Pages of the CITIZEN KANE script...

...along with a set of lenses used by the great cinematographer Gregg Toland:

Steven Spielberg's influence is felt throughout the museum, in terms of both his movies and film artifacts he acquired, as well as the ground floor Spielberg Family Gallery. This version of "Bruce," the shark from JAWS (1974), was created from the original mould.