Sun 11/9-Sun 2/1/26
The Cleveland Museum of Art’s next blockbuster special show is called Renaissance to Runway: The Enduring Italian Houses. And while some might think of Versace, Prada and Armani when they think of Italian fashion “houses,” this show covers much, much more — more than 500 years of Italian fashion.
It looks back to the Renaissance when the ruling “houses” of Italy used ornate textiles and clothing to telegraph their power and prestige. In the last century, today’s “houses” — Versace, Valentino, Ferragamo — are known for their craftsmanship, fine materials and design sensibility, and are available to today’s “ruling class”: those with sufficient money.
The exhibit offers more than 100 modern and contemporary Italian garments and accessories along with textile and decorative arts, jewelry and paintings from an earlier era, between 1400 and 1630. The show was put together by CMA assistant curator of fashion Darnell-Jamal Lisby, who was also responsible for the stunning Korean Couture: Generations of Revolution last year and made many visits to Italy to do research for this show.
It opens to the public on Sunday November 9 and will be on view through Sunday February 1, 2026. Get tickets here.