Overland Park, KS -- The Johnson County Museum is thrilled to announce its upcoming special exhibit, “Free to Be... A 1960s Fashion Revolution,” opening to the public on June 1. This groovy exhibition takes visitors on a captivating journey through the vibrant world of 1960s women's fashion via four distinct themes that symbolize the era's spirit of self-expression and cultural transformation.

Visitors to the exhibit can expect a sensory feast of colors, textures, and designers, as period garments from the Johnson County Museum, Kansas State University’s Historic Textile and Costume Museum, Kansas City Museum, and Johnson County Community College’s Historical Fashion Collection transport them back to a time of creativity, individualization, and cultural revolution. See the flamboyantly futuristic styles of the Modernists, the counterculture chic of the Naturalists, the gala-ready grace of the Socialites, and the fashionable function of the Professionals.  

Curated in collaboration with Johnson County Community College's (JCCC) Fashion Merchandising and Design Department, “Free to Be... A 1960s Fashion Revolution” features a treasure trove of iconic garments that highlight the groundbreaking trends of the era.

“The 1960s were a time of transformative change,” said Associate JCCC Professor Audrey Michaelis. “The convergence of politics and fashion became a dynamic force, shaping the narrative of an era defined by innovation, self-expression, and the relentless pursuit of equality.”  

"JCCC's Fashion and Merchandising Department has such a rich collection of iconic fashion on campus. We're proud to partner with them to bring items from their collection and collections around the region to the general public,” said Johnson County Museum Director Mary McMurray. “The clothing, history, and exhibit design will draw you in and leave you thinking about fashion trends and the history that motivates them in a new way."

A slate of programming is also planned to complement the exhibit, with a variety of topics including fashion designers of the era, civil rights activism, psychedelic drug culture, and more. “Free to Be... A 1960s Fashion Revolution” will be on display at the Johnson County Museum from June 1, 2024, to Jan. 11, 2025. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the style and spirit of one of the most iconic decades in history. Learn more at JCPRD.com/freetobe.

Exhibit Details:

Title: “Free to Be...A 1960s Fashion Revolution”

Dates: June 1, 2024 – Jan. 11, 2025 

Location: Johnson County Museum at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center – 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Kan., 66212

Admission: Entrance to the special exhibit is included with regular admission to the museum. Admission is $6 for adults; $5 seniors, students, and military; $4 for children; and free for museum members. 

Website: JCPRD.com/freetobe

About JCCC’s Fashion Merchandising and Design Department

The JCCC Fashion Merchandising and Design Department prepares students for a career in the global fashion industry. Students develop an appreciation for style and quality and learn creative problem solving, communication skills, and business acumen. The JCCC Historical Fashion Collection serves as a valuable resource to students and supports a myriad of educational curricula within the Fashion Merchandising and Design degree program. The collection brings transformative value to the community through the presentation and celebration of fashion and local history.