Face masks from the Westminster Menswear Archive

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of most(if not all) international museums in response to public safety and health measures. ICOM Costume Committee conceived the project of a virtual exhibition of face masks to maintain connections between museum professionals and the public, as well as to encourage the collection, interpretation, and display of objects related to this pivotal moment in time. Museums in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and Oceania were invited to join this effort. The face mask has become the iconic symbol of the pandemic, representing humanity’s resilience, community, and unity during this global tragedy. This virtual exhibition highlights the importance of museum collections as sources of inspiration that embrace current events and celebrate contemporary fashion and design. Freely accessible to visitors around the world, the exhibition presents masks that document key moments of contemporary history and capture the united global challenge against the virus, which will resonate for years to come