After years of extensive restoration, the original cape worn by Bela Lugosi in the 1931 film adaptation of ‘Dracula’ is now on public display for the very first time.
The Academy Museum acquired the iconic garment in 2019 and highlights it as one of the jewels of their collection.
Defining the vampire silhouette
Lugosi was a Hungarian American actor best known for playing Count Dracula. His iconic performance cemented the visual expectations for the character.
The museum notes that when people imagine the famous vampire today, their standard impressions are still largely based on Lugosi’s 1931 portrayal.
A symbol of film history
According to Assistant Curator Nicholas Barlow, the garment represents much more than just the horror genre.
Barlow describes the piece as a widely recognized symbol of film history as a whole.
Where to see it
Visitors can view the newly restored cape at the museum’s campus. It is located right in the heart of L.A. at 6067 Wilshire Blvd. garment represents more than just the horror genre.
Barlow describes the piece as a widely recognized symbol of film history as a whole.
Visitors can view the newly restored cape at the museum’s campus at 6067 Wilshire Blvd.
