Melania Trump Donates Inaugural Gown to Smithsonian

Former First Lady calls dress a 'black and white masterpiece' that 'showcases America's pure spirit of originality'

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Melania Trump has donated her 2025 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, where it will be featured in an exhibition recognizing the country's first ladies. Trump called the Hervé Pierre-designed, off-white dress with two striking bands of black silk gazar a 'black and white masterpiece' that 'showcases America's pure spirit of originality, superior engineering and boundless creativity.'

Why it matters

The donation of Melania Trump's inaugural gown continues a long tradition of first ladies contributing their inaugural attire to the Smithsonian's collection, which aims to encourage visitors to consider the changing role of the first lady and American women over the past 200 years.

The details

Trump's collaboration on the dress was featured heavily in her documentary film 'Melania.' She said she 'relished' the design process and that the dress 'speaks with a distinct point of view - bold and dignified and ruthlessly chic.' In addition to the dress, a reproduction of the 1955 Harry Winston brooch Trump wore on Inauguration Day will also be on display.

  • Melania Trump donated the gown to the Smithsonian on February 20, 2026.

The players

Melania Trump

The former First Lady of the United States, who wore the donated gown to President Trump's second inaugural ball in 2025.

Hervé Pierre

The designer who created the off-white dress with two striking bands of black silk gazar that Melania Trump donated to the Smithsonian.

Lonnie Bunch

The Smithsonian Institution secretary, who thanked Melania Trump for helping to add the gown to the museum's important first ladies collection.

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What they’re saying

“This is not a dress. This is more than 50 years of education, experience and wisdom realized with each thread.”

— Melania Trump, Former First Lady (thehill.com)

“This dress speaks with a distinct point of view - bold and dignified and ruthlessly chic.”

— Melania Trump, Former First Lady (thehill.com)

“This black and white masterpiece showcases America's pure spirit of originality, superior engineering and boundless creativity.”

— Melania Trump, Former First Lady (thehill.com)

“I want to thank Mrs. Trump for helping us to add to this important first ladies collection.”

— Lonnie Bunch, Smithsonian Institution Secretary (thehill.com)

“Each first lady has left their mark, not just on the White House, but on the nation. Each first lady reflects the time in which she served.”

— Lonnie Bunch, Smithsonian Institution Secretary (thehill.com)

What’s next

The Melania Trump inaugural gown will be on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History as part of the museum's first ladies-focused exhibition.

The takeaway

Melania Trump's donation of her 2025 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian continues a long tradition of first ladies contributing their inaugural attire to the museum's collection, which aims to document the evolving role of the first lady and American women over time.