Celebrating Afrofuturism: Ruth E. Carter Exhibit Opens at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

On March 22, 2025, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will unveil Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design as part of its Centennial celebration. This groundbreaking exhibit will feature more than 60 original costume designs by Carter, the trailblazing, two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer known for her work in Black Panther, Selma, Roots, and more.

The exhibit delves into Carter’s 40-year career and highlights her contribution to Afrofuturism—a cultural movement that blends African heritage with science fiction, technology, and speculative storytelling. Carter defines Afrofuturism as a celebration of African traditions and a reimagining of Black futures, emphasizing empowerment, innovation, and reclamation of agency. Through costumes that seamlessly blend traditional African elements with futuristic designs, Carter has redefined storytelling on screen and elevated representation in cinema.

Jennifer Pace Robinson, president and CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, expressed her excitement about the exhibit. “Carter’s celebrated storytelling through costume design takes us on a transformative journey through the narratives of our past, present, and future, inspiring young minds, igniting creativity, and shaping imaginations in ways that profoundly influence life trajectories.”

Highlights of the exhibit include rare hand-drawn sketches of iconic characters, Carter’s childhood sewing machine, and insight into her creative process. Visitors will learn how Carter’s meticulous attention to detail has shaped unforgettable characters in collaboration with legendary filmmakers such as Ryan Coogler, Spike Lee, and Ava DuVernay. The exhibit provides a window into the cultural and historical significance of her work, including the groundbreaking designs for Black Panther, which made Carter the first Black person to win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design. She continued this historic streak with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, becoming the first Black woman to win multiple Oscars in any category.

The museum collaborated with Indianapolis-based organizations such as GANGGANG and the Madam Walker Legacy Center to showcase the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. GANGGANG, known for the BUTTER Fine Art Fair, and the Madam Walker Legacy Center have been instrumental in celebrating Black artists and connecting communities to cultural innovation. The exhibit aligns with the city’s robust lineup of 2025 arts and culture initiatives, further cementing Indianapolis as a hub for creativity and diversity.

The Children’s Museum’s partnership with organizations like Riley Children’s Health, Old National Bank, and Ice Miller LLP ensures the success of this monumental exhibit. It also offers young audiences an opportunity to engage with Afrofuturism through Carter’s designs, inspiring future generations to dream big and imagine new possibilities.

Ruth E. Carter’s illustrious career spans more than 70 credits in film, television, and theater, with her designs reflecting a commitment to honoring Black history while reimagining its narratives. This exhibit, along with her recently published book, The Art of Ruth E. Carter, solidifies her legacy as a visionary artist whose work continues to inspire.