Copyright Variety
Paul Tazwell’s costumes from “Hamilton,” “Wicked” and “West Side Story” are set to go on display at Chicago’s Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. The exhibition, titled Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell, is the first of its kind dedicated to his work and will premiere on Jan. 19, 2026. In a statement, Tazewell said, “This exhibition is a great privilege and honor.” He added, “Being invited to share my work in a way that will be engaging and immersive, and to be able to invite others into that experience means so much to me.” This exhibit is a multimedia experience in the Museum’s newest space, the immersive Griffin Studio, guided by Tazewell’s own words and vision. Displays of his costumes will be combined with his narration and behind-the-scenes video, photos and sketches to draw back the curtain to show how imagination becomes reality. Highlights include various costumes from “Wicked,” including: Glinda’s pink bubble dress and Elphaba’s Emerald City dress. Tazewell’s Janelle Monae MET Gala looks will also be on display. Ariana Debose’s iconic yellow dress from Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” is also on show. Tazewell won a Tony award for his costume design for “Hamilton.” Those costumes from the original Broadway production, including the Schuyler sisters’ winter ball gowns, Hamilton, Jefferson and Burr’s suits, as well as King George’s outfit, are all featured among the exhibit, too. “At Griffin MSI, we believe that if you can see it, you can be it, and Paul and his work are a shining example of that notion,” said Dr. Chevy Humphrey, Griffin MSI CEO and President. “Through this exhibition and his personal story, he shows how imagination can become reality. Following his ideas from creation to conception offers a spark of inspiration for the next generation of innovators and creators who visit the Museum every day.” Tazewell’s work in theater, film and television spans three decades and has received multiple accolades. Most recently, he made history as the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design on “Wicked.” Additional recognitions include Tony Awards for “Death Becomes Her” and “Hamilton” on Broadway, and an Emmy for “The Wiz! Live.” Up next, his work will be seen in “Wicked: For Good” out on Nov. 21.
