AAMP Presents "Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design" through September 6

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- "Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design" provides an up-close look at some iconic outfits in film history, including the Black Panther costume worn by actor Chadwick Boseman.

Sketches reveal her creative process.

"It provides an opportunity to highlight Ruth E. Carter's career as a costume designer," says Michael K. Wilson, Ph.D., Curator for the African American Museum in Philadelphia. "But it also provides an opportunity to talk about, like, African culture and African art history within costume design."

Carter won two Academy Awards for 'Best Costume Design' for "Black Panther" and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

Wilson says that in the exhibition, you really get to see the detail and the beading and the technology and how these things come together "to create a narrative."

More than 70 costumes are on view.

"It covers about 12 films," he says. "It allows us to provide a multi-generational, like, nostalgic experience."

Visitors can see her creations from '80s classics, like Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing," and Flyguy's outfit from "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka," up to Oscar-winning films of today.

"This is the first time that the 'Sinners' costumes have been displayed in this exhibit," says Wilson. "Costume design is pivotal within film."

"This is from the film 'Malcolm X,'" he says.

Carter transformed Denzel Washington in that role, dressed Samuel L. Jackson in "Shaft" and LeBron James for Fortnite. "You get to see the importance of culture and history in constructing a costume," says Wilson.

The exhibition will be open during the museum's annual Juneteenth Jubilee block party on Friday, June 19, 2026 from 12pm - 5pm.

"We have everything from games to food to artistic talks," he says. "And it's a completely free museum day."

"Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design" is on view through September 6 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP).

For more information:

"Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design" | Link to Tickets at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) | AAMP's Juneteenth Jubilee Block Party

African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP)
701 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19106