Met’s Costume Art exhibition uses 3D-scanned mannequins from real bodies
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Art exhibition features fourteen unique mannequins made from actual bodies using advanced 3D scanning techniques, breaking away from traditional sizes. Sculptor Frank Benson led the project, successfully turning digital designs into tangible figures. Meanwhile, artist Samar Hejazi gave the mannequins reflective, polished faces that erase individual identities, allowing viewers to see themselves. These mannequins maintain the original subjects' shapes and postures while showcasing diversity, including representations of pregnant, larger, and disabled individuals. Additionally, Benson crafted a life-sized replica of a Roman Trophy Relief from the museum's collection. This exhibition runs from May 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027, in the Condé M. Nast Galleries, designed by Peterson Rich Office.
Key facts
- Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Art exhibition uses fourteen mannequins scanned from real bodies.
- Full-body 3D scans are converted into physical mannequins retaining original contours, posture, and proportions.
- Sculptor Frank Benson led the development of the mannequins and created a replica of a Roman Trophy Relief.
- Artist Samar Hejazi replaced mannequin heads with polished mirrored surfaces to remove identity and reflect viewers.
- Sections focus on bodily diversity: pregnant, corpulent, and disabled bodies.
- Mannequins are installed in the Condé M. Nast Galleries.
- Exhibition dates: May 10, 2026 – January 10, 2027.
- Gallery design by Peterson Rich Office.
Entities
Artists
- Frank Benson
- Samar Hejazi
Institutions
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Costume Institute
- Peterson Rich Office
- Condé M. Nast Galleries
- designboom
Locations
- New York
- United States