Molly Goddard Show, Fall Winter 2018, London. Image Courtesy Pixelformula SIPA Shutterstock

Schools Visits to Beyond the Little Black Dress

Visit our beyond the Little Black Dress exhibition with your class. Bookings are now open.

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Introduction to the exhibition

From design classics to cutting-edge catwalk creations, Beyond the Little Black Dress deconstructs this iconic garment and examines the radical power of the colour black in fashion.

In 1926 Coco Chanel designed a simple, short black dress. Considered radically modern, it disregarded convention in its design and shade and was hailed by US Vogue as “the frock that all the world will wear.” The little black dress became a wardrobe staple and a blank canvas for future generations to reflect broader political and cultural shifts, challenge social norms around race, gender and sexuality and reflect evolving ideals of beauty and identity.

Discover how the nuances of the colour black have made the little black dress a contradictory garment, from the well-mannered cocktail attire of the early 20th century to the leather and latex worn by members of punk and fetish subcultures.

Exhibition information

Location:

National Museum of Scotland

Age/level:

Recommended P7 - S6

Advice to Teachers/Educators:

This exhibition may be busy. We recommend splitting your class into smaller groups to go round the exhibition.

Dates:

1 Jul - 29 Oct

Cost:

Pupils £3,

Adults one free adult ticket for every five pupils (additional adults are charged at £12).

Please note:

there are representations of mourning and fetish wear in the exhibition

Book now

Complete the booking form to request an exhibition visit.

Request a visit Special Exhibitions

On the day

Practical Information

Practical information for the exhibition visit

Visitors will be asked to follow the current museum guidelines detailed at nms.ac.uk/scotland
Time slots for visiting the exhibition are 90 minutes, unless otherwise stated on your booking. Please adhere to your time slot. Pupils should be split into groups of 15 plus adults and each group taken into the exhibition in 45 minute intervals.
The exhibition has background music, sound, and moving images throughout.

During you visit

Explore our galleries before or after your visit to the exhibition for a range of relevant objects:

Discover more of our science collections throughout the building.

Terms and Conditions

Terms of booking

Scottish State schools should raise a Purchase Order through their Local Authority procurement system for the maximum cost of charged sessions.
Purchase Order numbers should be notified to schools@nms.ac.uk at least 7 days in advance of the visit.
For sessions charged per pupil, schools will be charged for the number of pupils booked, unless 10 days advance notice of change in numbers is notified to schools@nms.ac.uk.

Cancellation Policy

National Museums Scotland reserve the right to charge a fee for short notice cancellations or no-shows.
Bookings cancelled less than 3 weeks prior to the visit may incur an administration fee of 50% of the value of chargeable events.
Bookings cancelled less than 2 weeks prior to the visit may incur an administration fee of 100% of the value of chargeable events.
No-show or last-minute cancellations of free workshops or staff-led sessions may incur a £50.00 administration fee
In certain circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions, National Museums Scotland may waive the administration fee
Cancellations should be notified in writing to schools@nms.ac.uk.