While the North Carolina Museum of History’s physical building remains closed for renovation, the museum’s mission continues through partnerships, public programs, and storytelling that share North Carolina’s history far beyond its walls. The museum is proud to announce that a piece from its collection will be featured in Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, the highly anticipated spring 2025 exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Timed to debut alongside the Met Gala, Superfine explores the cultural and historical significance of Black style and dandyism from the 18th century to the present. The exhibition will highlight the intersection of African and European style traditions through a presentation of garments, accessories, paintings, photographs, decorative arts and more.
The museum has loaned a striking mid-19th-century dresser by Thomas Day, a free Black cabinetmaker who lived and worked in Milton, North Carolina. Known for his sophisticated, sculptural approach to furniture and architectural design, Day’s work blended classical European influences with bold, original forms. The museum holds the largest collection of Day’s work in the country.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to see Thomas Day’s work recognized globally,” said John Campbell, collections management section chief at the North Carolina Museum of History. “Day carved beauty and power into every piece he created. Seeing his work spotlighted at The Met is a powerful reminder that his story, and the stories his work carries, continue to have a lasting impact.”
Superfine: Tailoring Black Style is on view at The Met Fifth Avenue from May 10 to Oct. 26, 2025. The exhibition’s opening coincides with the 2025 Met Gala on May 5, co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, with LeBron James serving as honorary chair.
Media Contacts:
Mary Huntley
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Alexa Scattaregia
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Alexa.Scattaregia@dncr.nc.gov