Image: McManus Gallery, London
The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum is presenting ‘Curtain Call: Costumes from Stage and Screen’, an exhibition bringing together costumes from film, television, theatre and opera. The exhibition runs through 15 November 2026 at the Dundee museum, where admission is free.
The presentation focuses on costume designers who hail from Dundee or have been inspired by the city, linking local creative activity with productions seen by international audiences. Featured designers include Jane Petrie, Ros Little and Alex Reid, alongside creatives who have collaborated with Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre.
Among the costumes on display are the gown worn by Claire Foy in ‘The Crown’, the dress worn by Claire Danes in ‘The Essex Serpent’ and Meryl Streep’s costume as Emmeline Pankhurst in ‘Suffragette’. The exhibition also includes pieces associated with major theatrical organisations, including the Royal Shakespeare Company and Scottish Opera.
According to The McManus, the exhibition is intended not only as a display of finished costumes but also as an exploration of the creative work behind productions across several performance and screen formats. Its stated focus is the relationship between Dundee-based talent, wider professional collaborations and the city’s contribution to costume design.
The exhibition’s emphasis on costume places designers and their work at the centre of productions that are often encountered primarily through actors, characters and narrative. The costumes on view connect the material decisions of dress, construction and visual presentation with productions ranging from contemporary television and cinema to theatre and opera.
The McManus is Dundee’s art gallery and museum, located at Albert Square on Meadowside. Its programme includes exhibitions and displays spanning art, design, cultural history and natural history. The museum’s published opening hours are 10am to 5pm daily, with Sunday opening from 12.30pm to 4.30pm; last entry is 15 minutes before closing.
‘Curtain Call: Costumes from Stage and Screen’ opened on 7 February 2026 and remains on view at The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum until Sunday 15 November. Admission is free.
