The Museum of Arts and Design’s new exhibit, “Taylor Swift: Storyteller,” is a special exhibition that takes visitors on an immersive audio-visual journey through a collection of Taylor Swift’s most iconic music videos and stage performances.
Swift is a 12-time Grammy award-winning artist and songwriter that uses fashion and style to complement her songs and artistry. “Taylor Swift: Storyteller” represents a slice of the notable work that talented designers and artists have created to accompany Swift’s performances. This exhibition features a unique assortment of costumes, props, jewelry and accessories worn and used by Swift herself. This experience provides something for fans of every Swift era and for those who are less familiar with her work.
A selection of Swift’s music videos are projected for visitors to see where the individual pieces displayed at the museum originate from. While listening to the song “I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault),” visitors can view the stunning red wedding dress and bellhop uniform worn by Swift in that 2021 music video.
There are also various musical instruments played by Swift, such as the silver sparkle guitar by Taylor Guitars from performances during the Speak Now World Tour. After watching “willow” in the projection area, fans of the “evermore” album can walk over to the display case containing the authentic lute created by Pasquale D’Isanto that Swift played in that 2020 music video.
This exhibit occupies the whole second floor of the Museum of Arts and Design, and it is focused on utilizing the empty space and decorating the entire room. Visitors are welcomed by a neon pink “Taylor Swift” sign from the “Taylor Swift Experience” exhibit by the Grammy Museum in 2014 and a J-180 Guitar by Gibson from the “City of Lover” concert in Paris in 2019.
One of the walls is covered with recreated prints of handwritten lyrics to the fan favorite song “All Too Well” from the “Red (Taylor’s Version)” album. A second wall shows off the lyrics to lead single “Tim McGraw” from Swift’s self-titled debut album. There is a painting of Benjamin Button, Swift’s ragdoll cat, from the “Lover” music video in 2019 with green and silver wallpaper painted by Rebecca Graves hanging on one of the walls of the exhibit.
Each display piece corresponds to an information card that details where and when the piece was used. Some of these special events that are included in this collection are from award shows and tour performances that Swift participated in. One of the main display cases shows the light blue dress Swift wore in 2007 when she won her first Country Music Award at the Sommet Center. Another notable costume piece is the gold Speak Now (2010) dress by Roberto Cavalli. This dress was worn by Swift during “Sparks Fly,” “Mine” and the “The Story of Us” performances during the Speak Now World Tour in 2011-12. There is also the blue, gold and white cheerleading outfit and ballerina costume from the “Shake It Off” music video from 2014. This song was nominated for three different awards at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.
Swift is a multifaceted artist that has ventured into other storytelling mediums, such as film. She wrote and directed the 15-minute “All Too Well: The Short Film” that took home Best Music Video at the 2023 Grammy awards. She also directed the music videos for the singles on “Lover,” “evermore,” “folklore,” “Midnights” and “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).”
Throughout her ongoing 18-year career, Swift has placed an emphasis on telling stories through her music and lyrics. Her live concerts blend stunning costume pieces, grand set designs, elaborate dance choreography and vibrant vocal performance to accurately portray the emotion and mood of each song. Her music videos provide compelling cinematic reflections of those songs.
“Taylor Swift: Storyteller” timed entry tickets can be purchased for $25 each through March 24, 2024, on the Museum of Arts and Design’s official website. The purchase of a ticket also includes access to the general admission sections of the museum. This experience is self-paced and self-guided, but it may take about 30 minutes to see everything.
