(Kitco News) – Amid the focus on gold’s price following a record-setting year of new all-time highs and its status as a safe haven amid geopolitical turmoil, the Brooklyn Museum has opted to focus on the beauty of gold to celebrate its 200th anniversary.
Launched on November 16, the museum’s new Solid Gold exhibition showcases solid gold pieces of jewelry, haute couture, and more, with over 500 gold works on display in eight sections.
“Behold the majesty of gold in a shimmering exhibition dedicated to the element that has inspired countless works of art, fashion, film, music, and design,” the Brooklyn Museum wrote. “As a material and a color, gold has symbolized beauty, honor, joy, ritual, spirituality, success, and wealth throughout history.”
Greek. Wreath (details), 3rd–2nd century B.C.E. Gold. Brooklyn Museum; Gift of George D. Pratt, 26.763. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
“It has also taken on myriad forms: from millennia-old depictions of an idealized world to opulent 13th- and 14th-century Italian altarpieces and intricate Japanese screens, to contemporary artwork and haute couture marvels,” they added. “With a sweeping range of objects and a global perspective, this exhibition will trace the many odysseys of the metal that has influenced cultures and legacies worldwide.”
Installation view, Solid Gold, November 15, 2024 - July 6, 2025. Brooklyn Museum. (Photo: Paula Abreu Pita)
The display pairs “showpieces from the collection with stunning international loans,” they said. “The fashion world’s embrace of gold will be seen in standout designs by Anna Sui, Christian Dior, Demna, Gianfranco Ferré, Giorgio di Sant’Angelo, Halston, Mary McFadden, The Blonds, Walter Van Beirendonck, and Yves Saint Laurent.”
Installation view, Solid Gold, November 15, 2024 - July 6, 2025. Brooklyn Museum. (Photo: Paula Abreu Pita)
The collection includes items such as “Gold-ground paintings and sculptures, coins, and other treasures,” which have been showcased “alongside jewelry by Alexander Calder, Belperron, Cartier, Charles Loloma, Jacob & Co, and Verdura—as well as grillz by Gabby Elan.”
Bracelet, Rome, 379–395. Gold, emeralds, sapphires, and glass. The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California, 83.AM.227.2
There are also 22k gold chalices, gold-colored Adidas sneakers with wings designed by Jeremy Scott, and gold and pearl minidresses designed by Azzedine Alaia and worn by Tina Turner.
But it's not all just about the glitz and glamour of gold, as the exhibition “will also confront darker histories, inviting frank discussions about the human and environmental costs of extracting gold ore from the earth,” the museum said. “Solid Gold will immerse you in one of humankind’s most dazzling obsessions.”
As part of the exhibition, the Brooklyn Museum will present themed talks exploring the history of gold, including a conversation with fashion designer The Blonds and Solid Gold's curator Matthew Yokobosky.
“Born out of a desire to make clients feel strong and confident, The Blonds juxtapose luxury materials with hardware like chains and spikes,” a description of the talk read. “In this conversation, Phillipe and David Blond discuss the exhibition, the genesis for their brand, and the process of creating custom pieces for entertainers including Madonna, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Nicki Minaj.”
The showcase will run through July 6, 2025.
