Everything You Need to Know About the 'Solid Gold' Exhibition at Brooklyn Museum

The Brooklyn Museum sets a gold standard for art with the debut of its latest exhibition Solid Gold, supported by fashion powerhouse Dior and Bank of America.

The Golden Ballroom Dress from Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2020 haute couture collection, designed by creative director Demna, is crafted entirely from 100% crinkled papery gold metalized polyester.

Brooklyn Museum is going for the gold through July with the unveiling of this major exhibition titled Solid Gold, an extensive exploration of gold’s role and representation throughout human history. Running through July, this treasure trove marks the museum’s 200th anniversary and features over 500 stunning pieces. This gilded chronicle illuminates the material’s significance across cultures, from fashion and jewelry to luxury items, paintings, sculptures and films.

Curated by Matthew Yokobosky, the Brooklyn Museum’s Senior Curator of Fashion and Material Culture, this dazzling display unfolds eight captivating sections, each telling a visual story that bridges the past with the present. A coffin from Dynasty 22 and over 180 exquisite gold pieces from the Hellenistic period radiate with lustrous legacies, transporting visitors to a time of ancient opulence and artistic mastery.

Installation views of Solid Gold at the Brooklyn Museum

The allure of gold is undoubtedly present to tell its timeless narrative, including in Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic Cleopatra necklace prototype and couture creations by designers like The Blonds and Christian Dior. Brooklyn shines as Solid Gold reveals the material’s role beyond mere adornment, showcasing a collection of gold coins that glimpse their process and propaganda tools.

But the story doesn’t end there—Solid Gold also casts a spotlight on the darker side of gold’s legacy, exploring its environmental impact and the profound historical consequences of gold mining. This thought-provoking perspective invites visitors to reflect on the material’s dual nature, where beauty intertwines with complexity and allure is bound to consequence.

Installation views of Solid Gold at the Brooklyn Museum

Solid Gold seeks to redefine the traditional museum experience, offering an immersive exploration of gold’s rich and multifaceted history, spanning from ancient civilizations to the present—don’t miss this golden opportunity.

Through July 6,brooklynmuseum.org;dior.com