The Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Kent State University Museum have partnered on “Fashion and Feather,” a cross-disciplinary exhibition exploring feathers through the lenses of fashion, ornithology, and cultural significance. The show opens on Earth Day, April 22, and runs through October 16, 2026.

The exhibition pairs ornithological taxidermy specimens and cultural objects from the museum’s collections with historic garments and accessories from Kent State’s fashion collection. Organized by bird species (peacocks, ostriches, kingfishers, and roosters), it examines how humans have adapted feathers for ornamentation and design. Student designers from Kent State’s School of Fashion also contributed biomimicry-inspired designs using non-animal fabrics.

Work in the Visitor Hall is free; exhibits in the Corning Gallery require museum admission. Kent State students receive $5 admission with a valid ID through October 11. A student fashion show is planned for fall 2026.

Source: https://www.cmnh.org/news/press-room/2026/03/30/the-museum-and-kent-state-present-fashion-feather-a-cross-disciplinary-exhibition