Doorway To The World Exhibit Opens September 27

Published 9/24/2025

Step Through the Doorway to the World: Bloomingdale Museum Unveils International Treasures

This fall, the Bloomingdale Park District Museum invites visitors on a journey around the globe without ever leaving town. The new exhibition, Doorway to the World: International Costumes, Customs, Artifacts, opens September 27 and runs through November 1, 2025, offering a rare glimpse into the vibrant traditions, attire, and artistry of cultures from every corner of the world.

Guests will be transported by the rich textures, colors, and stories behind each display. The galleries showcase traditional and folk costumes on mannequins, including elegant kimonos from Japan, shimmering saris from India, festive dresses from Mexico, and ceremonial robes from Nigeria. These garments, many of them one-of-a-kind, are complemented by original paintings, handcrafted artifacts, and evocative photographs capturing the essence of countries such as Italy, Russia, Egypt, Greece, and Panama.

A highlight of the exhibition is a remarkable collection of over 80 dolls, generously donated by a Bloomingdale world-traveling collector. Each doll is dressed in authentic native attire, offering visitors a miniature but vivid journey into global culture. Additional rare artifacts on loan include intricately painted Russian nesting dolls and Easter eggs, a Tibetan prayer wheel, a bronze oil lamp from Egypt, and primitive jewelry adorned with stones and even monkey teeth, giving a glimpse into the artistry and traditions of past centuries.

The exhibition reception is set for Sunday, October 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. Guests can enjoy live music, sample international cuisine, and mingle while exploring the displays in an immersive, celebratory atmosphere.

The Bloomingdale Museum is open Wednesdays from 5–8 p.m., Thursdays from 12–4 p.m., and Saturdays from 12–4 p.m. Admission is a suggested donation of $1 for residents, $2 for non-residents, and $0.50 for seniors.

For more information, call 630-339-3570 or leave a message.