The Lost Art of Department Store Windows

The Lost Art of Department Store Windows

Under development.

In development; opening TBD. This exhibition celebrates the artistry of those who created store windows for many of the great American department stores. Store windows presented a theatrical experience, which at the holidays exploded into exuberant celebrations. Some of the best artists cut their teeth creating windows: Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns all created surrealist and pop art designs for Bonwit Teller. The displays at Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman reflected the artistry of over-the-top fashion designers like Alexander McQueen and pop icons like Lady Gaga, while Macy’s holiday windows have delighted families for generations.  Many of the great stores are gone, but their windows will live on. 

The Museum will invite some of the country’s best designers to help pay homage to these stores, these windows, and the talented artists who created this art form. A giant holiday window will anchor the exhibit and provide a backdrop for museum events and private parties. Watch for our pop-up store windows from Napa to San Francisco for Holiday 2023!

Featured Image: A view of “Lady Gaga’s boudoir” shopping window, as part of the Lady Gaga’s workshop, a holiday retail experience representing Lady Gagas reinterpretation of Santa’s workshop at Barneys New York in Midtown Manhattan, November 2011.

Image below: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, Bergdorf Goodman store window April-May, 2011, celebrating the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Show.

 

← Older Post Newer Post →

Explore Exhibitions @ Napa Valley Museum

A Tribute to the Photography of Bob McClenahan Virtual Gallery

A Tribute to the Photography of Bob McClenahan Virtual Gallery

June 1, 2025 In our virtual gallery this summer: a community-curated exhibition of works by Napa Valley photographer Bob McClenahan Coming this Summer: The Museum...

Read more
Land and People of Napa Valley

Land and People of Napa Valley

Reopened on January 11, 2020 in a new dedicated gallery Land and People of Napa Valley, the Museum’s permanent exhibition about the history and people...

Read more
Naomie Kremer: Seer

Naomie Kremer: Seer

On exhibition through March 8, 2026 The MAC’s new video wall launches with “SEER”, an original work by award-winning video artist Naomie Kremer UnbiddenOnce beheldOne...

Read more
John Donohue: All the Restaurants of Napa Valley

John Donohue: All the Restaurants of Napa Valley

April 18, 2025 – March 8, 2026 In the MAC’s Mini-Gallery, a display of the distinctive sketches of the artist John Donohue, with limited edition...

Read more
Treasures from the GAIA Foundation and the Museum’s Permanent Collection

Treasures from the GAIA Foundation and the Museum’s Permanent Collection

On exhibition through September 28, 2025 In the History Gallery: Works by Matisse, Pissarro, Picasso, Chagall and other fine artists on long-term loan to the...

Read more
Napa Valley Originals

Napa Valley Originals

On Exhibition through June 8, 2025 In the Spotlight Gallery through June 8, 2025: Local and regional artists have created this constantly-changing collection of original...

Read more
Sophie Alstrom Mitchell: Wildflowers of the Napa Valley

Sophie Alstrom Mitchell: Wildflowers of the Napa Valley

The Napa Valley Museum Yountville is proud to announce: “Sophie Alstrom Mitchell: Wildflowers of the Napa Valley,” an exhibition showcasing the exquisite botanical watercolor paintings...

Read more
Julia Child: A Recipe for Life

Julia Child: A Recipe for Life

April 18, 2025 – March 8, 2026 Julia Child: A Recipe for Life, opened at The MAC on April 18 as an exhibition exploring the...

Read more