New York Arts Exchange, LLC: Last Call: "Sleeping Beauties," the 2024 Costume Institute Exhibition, through Labor Day, September 2nd

Saturday, August 31, 2024

Last Call: "Sleeping Beauties," the 2024 Costume Institute Exhibition, through Labor Day, September 2nd

Simon Costin, The Nightingale and the Rose necklace, 1989

Dear New York Arts Exchange Friends,

Labor Day Weekend is here! It's the official end of summer and the Met Costume Institute's super deluxe annual exhibition for 2024: "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" - still on view through Monday, September 2nd. I visited the exhibition twice: in May and yesterday. Quelle difference! In May the crowd was bearable. Yesterday, August 30th, the crowd felt like a can of sardines - suffocating and confining. It's a challenge to get through the first half, but a bit easier in the last few rooms. That said (for forewarned is forearmed), you must arrive at the Met early in the morning to secure a ticket. The exhibition limit fills up within the first few hours of the day. Even on Friday, when the museum closes at 8:45 pm. Today, I imagine all the slots are taken. Sunday and Monday - there's still hope.

Is it worth it? Yes! This exhibition includes creations that stagger the imagination. The entire installation requires an in-person experience. However, if you must skip this year's show, here is the Met's "Sleeping Beauties" page with a video tour that is also satisfying. Whichever way you choose to view this extraordinary curatorial feat, at least make a date with yourself to indulge. It's well worth the time and effort.

Best wishes for the Labor Day Weekend,

Beth

Beth S. Gersh-Nesic, PhD

Director/Owner

New York Arts Exchange, LLC