The Wick launches its new costume museum experience with an exhibition on the fashions of Eliza Doolittle

A new chapter is unfolding at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton. Its lauded costume museum is now the Museum Club at The Wick, boasting enhanced facilities and technical improvements that enable visitors to fully inhabit a theatrical landscape augmented by the Wick’s massive costume collection.

Marilynn Wick, executive managing producer, says that the popular Van Gogh Exhibition inspired her and her team to transform the space and utilize large video screens to make the collection come alive. “At the Museum Club at The Wick, visitors will have an immersive video experience with our unmatched costume collection,” says Marilynn.

Marilynn and her two daughters, Kimberly and Kelly, have been building their costume collection since 1976. They initially designed costumes and later bought the contents of costume houses that were going out of business. Then, in 1990, they began acquiring Broadway wardrobes. Their collection is now the largest single grouping of Broadway wardrobes in the world, representing more than 100 shows.

In 2013, the Wicks opened their eponymous theater and costume museum in the former Caldwell Theatre. Year after year, Kimberly has shared their collection with the public, curating shows around a particular era or theme and pulling pieces from their stock to depict them.

The Museum Club at The Wick opened in September with an inaugural
exhibition inspired by the character of Eliza Doolittle, beginning
with her first appearance in George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion and
honoring the actresses who have portrayed the Fair Lady on film and
stage through 2018. Entitled Ascot!, the exhibition also includes more
than 50 Cecil Beaton–designed costumes from the original Broadway
show.

“I always wanted to do an exhibit about the Edwardian Era, and
I thought, ‘Let’s pick My Fair Lady,’” says Kimberly. “The wardrobe is
spectacular, the show’s amazing, and we happen to own the original
1956 Broadway wardrobe.”

As part of the Ascot! experience, guests sit down to a three-course
meal and view a 360-degree, 25-minute video presentation on
the Broadway show and its beloved main character. A singer also
performs at every luncheon. And, each visit includes a trip to the Hat
Room, home to 75 black-and-white ascot hats for guests to try on and
pose with in front of backdrops.

“The mission of The Wick Costume Museum has always been to
share our historic wardrobe in an entertaining and educational way,”
says Marilynn. “With this new dramatic remodel, we are thrilled to
welcome fans to enjoy our collection in a new, glorious fashion.”