Fashion as Experiment: The '60s
May 6–September 24, 2023
At the heart of Allentown's art scene is the ever-evolving Allentown Art Museum. The Museum is home to works from the European Renaissance and Baroque eras, as well as modern-day and local artists and new exhibitions with a wide range of artifacts within its collection. Step into the Library of the Francis Little House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Other aspects of the permanent collections focus on America Painting & Sculpture, Non-Western Art, Textiles and Costume, and more.
Along with permanent collections, the Museum features new and exciting exhibitions, like this summer's Fashion as Experiment: The '60s. Read more about the exhibit below, along with info about admission (free for all, always!) and parking information to plan your visit today.
Fashion As Experiment: The '60s
A groovy new exhibition spotlighting 1960s fashions at the Allentown Art Museum is both fun and fascinating. Opening on May 6, 2023 and continuing throughout the summer, Fashion as Experiment: The '60s features more than 100 dresses, pants, shoes, and accessories from the Museum’s collection that illustrate the tumultuous mood of the decade, ranging from wild hippie looks to funky florals to bold designs by André Courrèges, Vera Neumann, and more. This colorful blast from the past tells the story of how 1960s youth used fashion to express revolutionary new views and values—and spark a wave of social and political change in America.
Presented as an eye-popping installation that spans three galleries—an entire floor of the Museum--the exhibition tracks the evolution of 1960s fashion, from Mod and Pop to psychedelic looks that capture the decade’s irreverent attitude. You’ll see men’s and women’s clothing that blur gender boundaries, and miniskirts and hot pants that reflect the era’s sexual freedom. All of these styles set the stage for countercultural fashions of the late 1960s and early 1970s, including globally inspired designs as well as thrifted and handmade garments.
The exhibition includes a slideshow of photographs showing '60s fashions submitted from people’s personal archives. It’s not too late to send in your own, as new photos will be added throughout the run of the exhibition.
Fashion as Experiment: The '60s continues through September 24, 2023, and is offered in conjunction with ‘60s-themed programs at the Museum throughout the spring and summer, including a series of hands-on upcycling workshops that kicks off with tie-dying (more info below).
Maker Unknown, Gown (detail), 1960s, silk, embroidery, pearls, and crystal seed beads. Allentown Art Museum: Collection of Ellie Laubner, 2009 (2009.012.2104)
Alex Colman (American, 1909-1989), Dress (detail), late 1960s-early 1970s, polyester. Allentown Art Museum: Collection of Ellie Laubner, 2009 (2009.012.517)
Women's Boots, late 1960s/early 70s, vinyl with embroidery. Allentown Art Museum: Collection of Ellie Laubner, 2009. (2009.012.147 a,b)
Josefa (Mexican, 1919–2010), Dress, 1972, natural cotton and ribbons. Allentown Art Museum: transferred from American Textile History Museum, Gift of Ellen Pinzur, 2017 (2017.006.093)
Maker Unknown, Pin, 1960s, polychrome steel. Allentown Art Museum: Collection of Ellie Laubner, 2009 (2009.12.667)
'60s FASHION programing:
- May 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Opening Day of Fashion as Experiment: The ‘60s
- June 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Sip & Stitch—Creative time for quilters, knitters & fabric artists
- June 10 & 11
- noon-3 p.m.: Upcycling Workshop—Dress Up Your Denim
- 2-3 p.m.: Guided tour of Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s
- July 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Sip & Stitch—Creative time for quilters, knitters & fabric artists
- July 8 & 9
- noon-3 p.m.: Upcycling Workshop—Jewelry Jam
- 2-3 p.m.: Guided tour of Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s
- August 5, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Sip & Stitch—Creative time for quilters, knitters & fabric artists
- August 12 & 13
- noon-3 p.m.: Upcycling Workshop—Embroidery and Visible Mending
- 2-3 p.m.: Guided tour of Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s
- August 26, 2-3 p.m.: Guided tour of Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s
- September 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Sip & Stitch—Creative time for quilters, knitters & fabric artists
- September 9 & 10, noon-3 p.m.: Upcycling Workshop—Final Workshop
- September 23 & 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Closing Weekend of Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s
Admission is Free for All, Always
Admission to the Allentown Art Museum and galleries is Free for All, Always, thanks to generous sponsors. Hours are Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Third Thursdays 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Parking is free in the Museum lot at Fifth and Linden Streets.
Parking at Allentown Art Museum
Planning on checking out this exhibit? Parking for Allentown Art Museum is free in the Museum lot at Fifth and Linden Streets. You'll also find metered parking on Fifth & Linden Streets, as well as nearby parking decks.
