The Paley Museum in New York is offering an exclusive exhibition about Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” to commemorate the conclusion of its six-season run.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 02: (L-R) Max Minghella, Sam Jaeger, Madeline Brewer, Ann Dowd, Samira Wiley, Elisabeth Moss, Amanda Brugel, Yvonne Strahovski, Ever Carradine, Bradley Whitford, Josh Charles and O. T. Fagbenle attend the Premiere Event for Season 6 of Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
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On display through June 8, this features iconic costumes, props, and artifacts from the drama, including pieces worn by characters such as June Osborn (Elisabeth Moss), Serena Joy Waterford (Yvonne Strahovski) and Commander Lawrence (Bradley Whitford).
The museum invites visitors to “explore June’s journey through the dystopian universe of Gilead, where every artifact tells her story of resistance, rebellion and survival.”
It also says “these powerful pieces honor not only the creative talent behind the scenes but also the lasting cultural impact of this provocative and critically acclaimed drama.”
On display, it says, are “June Osborn’s (Elisabeth Moss) iconic red handmaid’s dress, cloak and white winged bonnet; Serena Joy Waterford’s (Yvonne Strahovski) haunting teal dress; costumes worn by other pivotal characters, including Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd), Nick Blaine (Max Minghella), Hannah Bankole (Jordana Blake) and Rita (Amanda Brugel); and artifacts and props that have become symbols of the series, including Commander Waterford’s Scrabble board, Nichole’s doll from Nick, Serena’s bible, June’s Boston map and Handmaid’s muzzle, among others.”
Through June 8, the museum also is screening “The Handmaid’s Tale: ‘Offred’” (the series’ 2017 premiere), which it says “describes a dystopian future in which women are enslaved within Gilead, a totalitarian, religion-based society. A woman called Offred (’of Fred’) (Elisabeth Moss), is separated from her husband and daughter and forcibly assigned to be a subservient ‘Handmaid’ to a powerful couple, the icy Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski) and her husband, Commander Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes). Offred privately declares her determination to survive for her husband Luke, her daughter Hannah and for her true, forbidden self: June.”
Also through June 8 it is screening “The Handmaid’s Tale: ‘Night’” (the season one finale). In it, the museum says, “Offred recalls her first pregnancy and Serena Joy takes Offred on a road trip, where she later reveals Offred’s daughter, Hannah. Offred pleads to be reunited with her daughter, and Serena Joy assures her Hannah will be safe as long as she maintains a healthy pregnancy. Later, Fred (Joseph Fiennes) assures Serena Joy that they will be a true “family” once Offred delivers their child and departs from the home. Offred is later arrested and prepares for either ‘her end or a new beginning.’”
Based on the 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale series, the museum said, is “set in a dystopian United States following the Second American Civil War, The Handmaid’s Tale paints a dark picture of life for women, many of whom are Handmaids, under a totalitarian government. The first season captured audiences’ attention with a powerhouse cast, led by Elisabeth Moss as ‘June Osborn/Offred’ in a story of survival, strength, and overcoming extreme adversity. Winner of fifteen Emmy Awards across its first five seasons, the dystopian thriller’s sixth and final season” premiered in April.
Admission to the exhibition and screenings is included in Paley Center’s general admission fee.
