Anyone who knows me—or has followed this blog over the years—already knows how much I love Game of Thrones. What draws me in is - everything: the rich, morally complex characters, the intricate layers of political and personal conflict, the stunning sets and costumes, the powerful performances, and even the gorgeous soundtrack. Like The Lord of the Rings, it’s a fully realized world—complete with deep history, diverse cultures, and even its own languages. So when I had the chance to see an exhibit showcasing the show’s costumes and props, there was no way I was going to miss it.
The Arlington Museum of Art in TX was the only one in the entire USA to have the privilege of presenting this exhibit. Usually by March, we are ready for a getaway weekend and this was the perfect spot.
As you enter the exhibit and see that famous title font, the music from the show's opening sequence gloriously plays as your eyes feast on the first group of costumes. You're instantly in the world of Westoros. Although it was a bit jarring to see Ned Stark's head on a pike right out of the gate. I suppose it was fitting, since that was the first, as the fans say, "wtf moment" of Season One.
I wish I had taken a picture of the wall size map of this fantasy world. I excitedly pointed out key cities to my husband and traced Dany's journey from Essos to Qarth to Dragonstone. We located the Red Keep, Dorne, the Dothraki Sea, Winterfell and the Wall.
I think it was this enthusiasm that alerted one of the museum workers to catch up with me. More on that later.
These are just a few of the banners on display representing the noble houses. Below is a photo of the massive 7-pointed star, emblem of the official religion. (Remember, this is fiction; don't be getting all offended.)
Cersei, a major player in The Game, had many incredible costumes in the exhibit with an explanation of how her look evolved as her circumstances changed. The designers paid attention to the smallest details in fabric and trim choices. The embroidery and beadwork was exquisite. Pictures don't do it justice. All of the costume fabrics were rich - velvets, silk, leather, furs, tapestry. Some were even made of upholstery cloth.
Another huge fan of the show happened to be the Facilities Director at the museum. He startled me as I was studying the weapons wall, introduced himself and started peppering me with questions. I finally interrupted him and asked if I had done something wrong. I wasn't using flash, didn't touch anything. Sometimes museum guards act like Secret Service agents, but he was just an overly-exuberant fan.
He escorted a few of us around and regaled us with stories of how the exhibit came about, how he scoured the Dallas area for mannequins, how beautiful even the shipping crates were. He would quiz us about the symbols on the shields, which weapon was used by which character, or some backstory on how a scene was shot. Wellllll....
I did have a little fun at his expense, as payback for scaring me. I knew everything and more of this world. Buddy, you met your match; I can do this all day. My husband witnessed this from across the room and got a chuckle at it.
One of his more interesting stories was how he could not find a mannequin large enough to fit The Mountain's uniform and armor. The actor who played the character is 6'9" and over 400 lbs. He showed us a picture of what's under this amazing costume. It was a normal size male mannequin, but they had to add height and build it out with pool noodles, styrofoam, and all sorts of padding.
I got to see real dragonglass!
A wall of weapons (above) and an Unsullied soldier's armor (below).
I loovvve fabric. Browsing a fabric store is more soothing to me than a handful of Valium (which, I really wouldn't know; I've never had to take anything for "my nerves.") Anyway, the pink gown in the photo below was worn by Myrcella, Cersei's daughter. I would see this on the show and long to touch it. I thought it might be made of some kind of organza or finely woven, stiffened muslin, but it is actually paper silk. I still couldn't touch it, but at last got to see it with my own eyes!
The head costume designer for the show did extensive research on historical clothing design and combined different cultural and era looks with the thought of what would be happening in the character's life, the weather, the circumstance, their social standing, and what possible materials would be available to them. For example, the Night's Watch soldiers would need layers and layers of heavy fabric and furs for warmth, while the nobles in the south would want lightweight clothing.
This is the fur
coat and dragon ornament worn by Daenerys when she flew to the north
on Drogon to rescue Jon Snow. Our unofficial guide told us that it
was made of rabbit fur and between the fur and jewelry it cost $125,000.
He was
also very excited to be present when the supervisor was on the
phone with Kit Harington (Jon Snow). The conversation supposedly went,
"Kit, we made you taller" and Kit replied, "Thank you."
I get it. We
fans are easily thrilled.
This display is from a scene near the end of the saga. L - R: Brienne as the King's Guard; Bran, the new 3 Eyed Raven and King; Sam, the new Maester; and Arya, the little sister who killed the Night King. The red leaves represent the weirwood tree of Winterfell, where the final battle took place.
Below - a very sad and shocking moment for the fans - the infamous Red Wedding.
Daenerys' sumptous gown while she was in Qarth and the dragons were
still just babies. They were transported by her loyal Dothraki in this wooden
cart.
Below, the Qarth characters' outfits with the Targaryen banners in the background. And yes, that's a dragon skull peeking out from the right.
It was massive, as you can see by the perspective against the costumes. I'm not sure which one this represents. It doesn't look big enough to be Balerion.
One of the museum's volunteers would take pictures of fans peeking through the eye socket. Yes, I did get one, but I won't post that here (although it's pretty cool.)
And the grand finale - the Iron Throne. OF COURSE, I sat on it and got my picture taken!! I've waited years to sit on that darn thing for a minute!
These aren't all the displays. There were many more costumes, props (even Jaime's gold hand), full-wall videos, and information stands. I saw Sansa's first wedding gown, Tywin's burial outfit, and more. It was a fun excursion and I'm so happy we went. I've been to two incredible GoT Experience Concerts and now this.
Since we were so close to Ft Worth and had a few extra hours, we ventured over to the Stockyards. Check the next post!
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