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Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising
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Avenir Museum Gallery

The largest of the Avenir Museum’s galleries, this 1,500 sq. ft. space hosts exhibits of historic apparel as well as flat textiles of greater size. Exhibits are planned 2-3 years in advance by Avenir Museum curatorial staff in tandem with the Department of Design and Merchandising.

Thanks! It Has Pockets

September 18, 2025 – March 14, 2026

The enduring echoes of “thanks, it has pockets” suggests this simple application of cloth is a source of agency, autonomy, and joy. Explore the history of pockets from function to fashion through forty-five objects dating from 1790 to the present.

A detail image of a lace blouse with a hidden pocket.

Past Exhibitions in the Avenir Museum Gallery

The past exhibits in the Avenir Museum Gallery show an incredible array of breadth and depth from many cultures and time periods. Learn more about African wax prints, the women’s suffragist movement, Hmong textiles, and designer collections, among many more.

Learn More About Past Exhibitions
6 dress forms adorned in beautiful blue garments on display in the Avenir Museum Gallery.