Woven and printed textiles, embroidery, lace, quilts, coverlets, samplers, iconic fashions, contemporary designs

Established in 1893, the Museum’s Department of Costume and Textiles boasts what has become one of oldest and largest collections of its kind in the nation, numbering more than 30,000 pieces. Indian, Italian, and French textiles are particular strengths, as well as 19th- and 20th-century French and American costume and American quilts, coverlets, and samplers (among them the famous Whitman Sampler Collection, assembled by the successful Philadelphia chocolate manufacturer). In 1956 the Museum was given its best-known item of clothing, the wedding dress worn by Princess Grace of Monaco. The most important acquisition of work by a single designer came in 1969, with Elsa Schiaparelli’s gift of 71 of her innovative garments and accessories--many of which are now icons of 20th-century fashion. More recent acquisitions include work by contemporary Japanese designers and by the American designer James Galanos.

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