COMMUNITY ART SPACE AT THE AMA

Wicked Threads: The Artistry of Costume in Oz

January 17 - April 27, 2025

Good News!

Following the release of the highly anticipated film, the Arlington Museum of Art will debut a collection of costumes from Wicked (2024) celebrating the artistry of the costume design and twenty-one years of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked. One of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked (2024) makes its journey to the big screen this holiday season as a spectacular cinematic event. On the surface, Wicked is the origin story of how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West and Galinda Upland became Glinda the Good. It’s a story of an unlikely friendship between two young women—one ostracized, one adored — and how the untapped power of one will reshape their lives and Oz, forever.

“This is the reason I’m here. To create new, iconic images of who these characters are. And that, for me, has been the greatest joy"

— Paul Tazewell

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Wicked (2024)

The film of Wicked brings Oz alive in a grand, detailed, magical way. Making Wicked as two films allowed the creative team to give audiences everything they’re hoping to see and hear and feel, and more. “We created this story over two films,” Platt says. “The first tells how Elphaba becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and the second tells how her best friend, Glinda, becomes authentically good.”

Above all, the filmmakers wanted to give fans of the stage production everything they dream of experiencing in a film. No songs or characters were cut. No scenes deleted. The vision deepened and expanded the world. “Our job is to bring the essence of what’s in the theater that is so satisfying and take audiences beyond that,” Platt says. “To take the familiar but introduce them to something that goes where they couldn’t imagine. Audiences will be transported to an epic world—where monkeys fly, witches take off on brooms…and magic is possible.”

About the Designer

Having designed costumes for Broadway, regional theaters, film, and television for over three decades, Paul Tazewell is one of the industry’s most revered designers. From his Academy Award®-nominated work in West Side Story to creating costumes for the Tony Award®-winning Broadway production of Hamilton, his creations have captivated audiences across the globe.

Paul Tazewell, paultazewelldesign.com

More to Explore at the AMA

Traditional Gallery

In this large space divided into intimate galleries (perfect for viewing the art up close), the Arlington Museum of Art showcases a myriad of collections comprised of “traditional” art. We define traditional art forms are those that have been a long-standing part of a culture (such as painting, sculpture, textiles, photography, metalwork, etc.).

Immersive Galleries

In our four Immersive Galleries, we curate multisensory experiences that envelop viewers within the artwork itself. A unique blend of art and technology, the defining features of the immersive art installations we present are their originality, artistry, and meticulous design. Our Immersive Galleries total nearly 21,000 sq ft with walls 18 feet tall. That’s immersive!

HELP Center Gallery

Through an ambitious rotation of curated exhibits and related programs, the HELP Center for LGBTQ+ Health Gallery at the AMA provides a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their unique perspectives and talents. Admission to the HELP Center Gallery is free, and its exhibition calendar is always changing.

Become an AMA Member

Enhance your experience at the Arlington Museum of Art by becoming an annual member. You’ll receive free tickets to exhibitions, invitations to private exhibition openings, Gift Shop discounts, and be the first to learn about art talks and events. Choose a membership level with the benefits that fit your lifestyle!

Become a Sponsor

As a non-profit organization, the Arlington Museum of Art relies on individual donors, corporate sponsors, non-profit partners, and foundations to fulfill our mission. Contact Chris Hightower to learn how you can become a sponsor of our exhibitions and help more people discover the power of art.