BE ADVISED: On Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, nearby events at Exposition Park and the University of Southern California will impact traffic, parking, and wayfinding in the area. Please consider riding the Metro E (Expo) Line and exiting at USC/Expo station.

Inside the Costume Collection

Marina Gibbons working on Betty Grable Red Tutu

Watch this Q&A with Marina Gibbons, Assistant Conservator at NHMLAC.


Marina discussed her conservation treatments on some of the iconic costumes that have been displayed in NHM's Becoming Los Angeles exhibit over the years, sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the specialized techniques and detective work that the laboratory contributes to each display. Learn how a mannequin puts his boots on, why tutus are stored upside down, and whose dress was hiding a (mildly) radioactive secret!