You Can See The Original Marvel Black Panther Costumes Right Now In Michigan

You may not know her by name, but you have seen her work on the silver screen a lot.

She’s behind the costumes you’ve seen in 60 film and television projects, including “Black Panther,” “Coming 2 America” and “Do the Right Thing.”

Now, you can see a bunch of the real costumes that Ruth E. Carter created at a new exhibition in Detroit.

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Who Is Ruth E. Carter?

You should definitely learn her name and her contributions to the industry.

Carter is the first Black person to win an Academy Award in the costume design category. This also allowed Marvel Studios to receive its first Oscar. She is also the first Black woman to win two Oscars, while also being the first costume designer to win an Oscar for a feature film and its sequel.

What Costumes Are On Display?

There are so many costumes that you can see from some of the most iconic movies to date.

If you have seen Spike Lee's “Do the Right Thing,” you will recognize the outfits worn by Mookie, Tina, and the ill-fated Radio Raheem on display.

But it doesn't stop there. You will also see a bunch of the famous “Black Panther” costumes.

Also on display is clothing from period pieces “Amistad,” the 2016 “Roots” miniseries remake, “Malcolm X,” “Selma,” “Dolemite is My Name," and the looks from the citizens of Zamunda in “Coming 2 America.”

Ruth shared what she hopes this exhibit will spark for people when they visit.

You can never underestimate what your kids can do and what they can be. I hope that when families come through here, they’re influenced in the same way that ('Black Panther' director) Ryan Coogler was influenced when he went to see 'Malcolm X' and he was inspired, sitting there with his family, to be a filmmaker.

Besides Ruth's creations, you can also see a few pieces from Brandon Sadler, whose murals were seen throughout “Black Panther.”

Where Can You See These Costumes In Michigan?

Currently, the Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” exhibition is at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History until March 31, 2024.

Admission into the museum is $30 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 for ages 5-17. Members and ages 4 and under are free.

You can get a glimpse of what to expect below.