BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Gold has long symbolized beauty, wealth, success, and spirituality. Its allure has spanned from ancient times to modern-day fashion.

Now there is an exciting exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum that is not to be missed: “Solid Gold,” which opened in November at the Brooklyn Museum and runs through July, celebrating its 200th anniversary.

The beautifully curated event delves into the lasting impact of this precious metal across art, fashion, and design, combining works from the museum’s collection with international loans.

Curated by Matthew Yokobosky, Catherine Futter, and Lisa Small, “Solid Gold” offers a sweeping exploration of gold’s significance, tracing its evolution from ancient objects to contemporary works.

“Solid Gold will transport visitors through the many worlds of gold, its joyful, though at times heartbreaking, histories, and its innumerable luminous expressions across cultures past and present,” says Yokobosky in a statement. “As a museum dedicated to bridging art and people in shared experiences, audiences will find inspiration, opening them to unexplored realms of beauty in their world.”

Sections of the exhibit examine how gold has inspired creativity, from its role in ancient rituals to its place in modern fashion. There are 500 works dedicated to the element that has inspired countless works of art, fashion, film, music, and design.

Through a sweeping range of objects — including coins, clothing, ritual objects, and more — the exhibition traces of the metal that has influenced cultures and legacies globally.

“Solid Gold” features 500 works, and my personal favorites were at the intersection of gold and fashion, depicted through the designs of Christian Dior, Halston, Anna Sui, Mary McFadden, Yves Saint Laurent, Cartier, and Gianfranco Ferré, among others.

The exhibit tackles and confronts darker histories, inviting reflections and discussions about the human and environmental costs of extracting gold ore from the earth.

When I visited with my husband and young adult children, it took us about 2 hours to marvel at the brilliance “Solid Gold” had to offer, but we easily could have stayed another two hours. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

A key highlight of “Solid Gold” is the display of rare ancient items, including a large sarcophagus lid from ancient Egypt, shown to the public for the first time in over a century. Another showcases over 180 pieces of ancient gold jewelry from Egypt and the Mediterranean.

Also addressed are the environmental and human costs of gold mining, with works like William Kentridge’s 1991 film Mine, which looks at the mining process and its impact.

Also noteworthy is the space dedicated to the 1970s, which marked a turning point in gold’s role in fashion, with designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent bringing opulent gold designs to the forefront. Clips from “The Wiz” (1974) and photos of Grace Jones’ Studio 54 performances capture this golden era.

The exhibit also highlights Missy Elliott’s gold-inspired performance at the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

A nod to modern culture, the exhibition also celebrates the phenomenon of gold grills, featuring both ancient facial jewelry from Panama and modern gold teeth, among other fascinating objects of shimmering gold.

SYMBOL OF ACHIEVEMENT

“Solid Gold” bridges the ancient and modern worlds, illustrating how gold continues to inspire designers today. Visitors can see iconic pieces like a Cleopatra-inspired fly necklace made for Elizabeth Taylor in 1963.

Also on display are couture gowns by designers such as Christian Dior and Azzedine Alaïa, and the rise of gold in hip-hop culture, with displays of “dookie ropes” and “Cuban links” chains.

Moving into the 1980s and 1990s, “Solid Gold” features high-end designs by Pierre Cardin, Givenchy, and Gianfranco Ferré, along with more recent edgy works by Demna and Walter van Bierendonck.

The final section of the exhibit honors gold as a universal symbol of achievement. A Greek gold laurel wreath from the 3rd-2nd century B.C.E. is displayed alongside modern gold crowns and medals, including a tiara worn by singer Aya Nakamura.

Gold’s enduring connection to victory and status is showcased through these jaw-dropping, iconic symbols.

The exhibition offers a unique blend of history, culture, and design, highlighting gold’s lasting influence while addressing its environmental consequences.

TICKET INFO

Ticketed exhibition tickets include general admission and feature timed entry in 15-minute increments. Member tickets offer untimed entry to ticketed exhibitions.

It is strongly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, as a limited number are available for same-day purchase at the Museum each day.

Tickets are nonrefundable but may be exchanged once up to 72 hours prior to the ticket date without fees.

To exchange tickets, contact [email protected] or call 718.501.6484 with your name and desired new date. Exchange is subject to availability.

For an interactive experience, visitors can grab a treasure hunt in the gallery, searching for gold works. Completing the hunt earns a 25% discount on “Solid Gold” merchandise at the museum shop.

ORGANIZERS

“Solid Gold” is organized by Matthew Yokobosky, Senior Curator of Fashion and Material Culture; Catherine Futter, Director of Curatorial Affairs and Senior Curator of Decorative Arts; and Lisa Small, Senior Curator, European Art; with Imani Williford, Curatorial Assistant, Photography, Fashion, and Material Culture.

Sound design by Neil Benezra and Brooklyn Sound & Image. Wallpaper donated by Flavor Paper, Brooklyn’s wallpaper maker. Lighting design by Justin Townsend.

As one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country, the Brooklyn Museum remains committed to innovation, creating compelling experiences for its communities and celebrating the power of art to inspire awe, conversation, and joy.

“Bank of America struck gold over a decade ago when our relationship with the Brooklyn Museum began,” said José Tavarez, president, Bank of America New York City.

“Over the years, together we have celebrated the vibrancy of New York City’s arts and culture, conserved significant works of art, and engaged the Brooklyn community and beyond,” he added. “We are now honored to stand beside the Museum to commemorate its 200th anniversary.”