"Gypsy" Robe: Museum Object and Cultural History

The object in the museum catalogue

The gypsy robe is a symbol of good luck among Broadway chorus members, who call themselves "gypsies" because of the transient nature of their work. The opening night ceremony of passing a decorated dressing gown to a selected chorus member began in 1950 with a dancer named Bill Bradley. A gypsy robe is made of muslin, and bears designs representing the musical of each chorus member who receives it. When one robe is covered with decorations, it is retired and a new one is created. This robe reflects musicals produced on Broadway between 1995 and 1997.

Materials, dates and provenance

• Date made: 1995 - 1997
• Object Name: robe
• Physical Description: textile (overall material)
• Physical Description: plastic (overall material)
• Measurements: overall: 60 in x 45 in x 12 in; 152.4 cm x 114.3 cm x 30.48 cm
• Place Made: United States: New York, New York City
• depicted: Musical Theater
• ID Number: 2001.0129.01
• accession number: 2001.0129
• catalog number: 2001.0129.01
• Credit Line: Actor's Equity Association
• Data Source: National Museum of American History

Sources and reuse

Catalogue descriptions and facts adapted from National Museum of American History through the Smithsonian's official Open Access dataset. This record explicitly marks its metadata CC0 1.0; formatting and selection have been changed.