Hepburn exhibit returns to Kent State University Museum

Abigail Miller

Kent State’s museum is bringing back its Katharine Hepburn: Dressed for Stage and Screen exhibit after six years.

Katharine Hepburn was one of the most celebrated actresses in the world. In her career, which stretched over more than six decades, she was nominated for 12 Academy Awards, winning four of them.

The museum gained possession of Hepburn’s costume collection in 2008 and first hosted the exhibit from Oct. 2010 to Sept. 2011.

Museum director Jean Druesedow said that they’re bringing back the exhibit due to popular demand.

“People kept asking for it. Katharine Hepburn; she’s just magical,” she said.

There are multiple changes that have been made to the exhibit. This time it will feature two new outfits from Hepburn’s personal wardrobe. There is also a new exhibit layout. Exhibition designer Jim Williams said that the new chronological design allows you to better understand Hepburn’s career.

“I think it’s a bit better to see her history in a linear way, rather than three distinct themes [stage, screen, television] since her career in those arenas overlapped so much,” he said.

The exhibit will open Friday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. with an afternoon tea and tour led by Jean Druesedow.

Abigail Miller is the fashion reporter. Contact her at [email protected].