Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery
Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery educates and increases awareness of the rich traditions of art, craft, design, and material culture expressed through the exhibition of all forms of textiles and apparel. The gallery is dedicated to Dr. Robert Hillestad, an internationally renowned fiber artist and Professor Emeritus of Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design. Our mission is to educate and increase awareness of the rich traditions of art, craft, design, and material culture expressed through the exhibition or all forms of textiles and apparel.
The gallery is closed on national holidays and when UNL is closed. For UNL Academic Calendar see: https://registrar.unl.edu/calendars/academic-calendar/
Current Exhibition
Giant Historic Hats
Monday December 15, 2025 to Monday May 4, 2026
Students in the first-year course, Visualization Studio, selected hats from the TMFD Historic Costume Collection to create oversized recreations or replicas using recycled chipboard (cardboard). After initially sketching the hats, students measured their proportions to understand the construction process. They then recreated the hats, scaling them to four to five times their original size and matching the materials. This student exhibition will feature three giant hats displayed alongside the originals, highlighting skill development, material research, and problem-solving.
Visit the Gallery
The Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery is in Lincoln, Nebraska on the UNL East Campus. It is located on the second floor of the Gwendolyn Newkirk Human Science Building #234, 1650 N. 35th St.
HOURS: The Gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. We are closed on weekends, University holidays, and between exhibitions.
PARKING: Visitors to the Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery are welcome to park on East Campus in metered parking just east of the Gwendolyn Newkirk Human Sciences Building.