Judy’s Lucky Jacket: The Big Comeback
Donate NowWe all know there’s no place like home. That’s why we are asking you to help bring Judy Garland’s iconic jacket back to Carnegie Hall!
Judy Garland had been in show business for nearly her entire life when she finally made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1961 at the age of 38. It was one of the most celebrated evenings in the house’s history, thanks in part to the star-studded audience, which included such showbiz royalty as Richard Burton and Marilyn Monroe. Toward the end of the program, Garland brought out her three children: Liza Minnelli, and Lorna and Joey Luft.
Critics, fans, and Judy herself considered this concert to be one of the most important and successful performances of her entire career, and it represented a true comeback. Her performance was recorded live and released as the album Judy at Carnegie Hall, which won five Grammy Awards and spent 73 weeks on the Billboard charts. “It was, even by the strictest definition, perfect,” describes Gerald Clarke, Garland’s biographer.
On the night of her historic debut, Judy donned a sequined jacket that was made especially for her by renowned fashion designer Norman Norell. She often referred to this piece as her “lucky” jacket. Made from sequins, rhinestones, glass beads, and silk, the piece represents a special milestone moment in Carnegie Hall’s history and a high point in Garland’s career. More than 60 years later, Carnegie Hall has the opportunity to add this jacket to its permanent collection in the Rose Museum, but we need your support!
Back the Jacket
Be a Part of this Special Homecoming
As a nonprofit organization, Carnegie Hall relies on members and donors to fund its artistic, educational, and archival initiatives, including special projects like this. Your donation will allow us to purchase and conserve the jacket, and to display it for all to enjoy.
All gifts of $25 or higher given by June 30, 2025, will be recognized on a special digital donor list that can be accessed using a QR code displayed alongside the jacket in our Rose Museum.
Donors of gifts of $100 and above will receive exclusive member benefits, including access to Open Working Rehearsals, ticket presales, member appreciation events, half-price tickets, and more.
Judy Garland’s Autographed Album Cover
As part of our If This Hall Could Talk podcast, delve into the life and legend of Judy Garland, whose magnificent and complex character and fascinating public and private personas have made her a Carnegie Hall icon. Guests include John Fricke.
Jessica Vosk Meets Judy Garland’s “Lucky Jacket”
Join Broadway star Jessica Vosk as she explores artifacts from Judy Garland’s historic concert at Carnegie Hall in 1961. There are photographs, the Grammy Award-winning live recording, and Garland’s iconic, sequined “lucky jacket.”
Remembering Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall
Lorna Luft, who was just eight years old at the time, shares her memories of attending her mother’s legendary concert at Carnegie Hall in 1961.
Judy at Carnegie Hall: The Album
Recorded live and released a few months after the concert, Judy at Carnegie Hall spent 73 weeks on the Billboard charts and won five Grammy Awards. Listen to the historic recording on Apple Music.
Judy Garland’s Carnegie Hall Debut in Photos
Garland’s Carnegie Hall debut on April 23, 1961, has become one of the most storied concerts in the near 120-year history of the Hall. Though few images of the concert survive, this collection includes several rare color images and related artifacts from the Carnegie Hall Archives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Carnegie Hall plan to do with Judy Garland’s jacket?
Carnegie Hall is currently working with a conservator who is advising us on steps to preserve and stabilize this historic item prior to placing it on public display. The Rose Archives will conserve the “lucky jacket” before building a special permanent display in the Hall’s Rose Museum so all visitors can enjoy and appreciate this iconic item that has a special tie to the Hall’s history. Digital images will also enable us to feature the jacket online.
If I donate to this campaign, what will I be supporting?
You will be supporting the ongoing preservation of this important item as well as Carnegie Hall’s ability to put it on permanent display for all to enjoy.
Why is this important?
The jacket represents a special milestone moment in Carnegie Hall’s history and a high point in the career of Judy Garland, one of the world’s most important performers. It is a tremendous addition to the collection of the Hall’s Rose Archives, a repository that traces some of the most significant moments in music history.
What is the jacket made of?
The jacket materials are silk, glass beads, plastic sequins, glass and metal rhinestones, metal zipper, and metal hook-and-eye closure.
Where is the jacket now?
The jacket is currently being held in fine art, climate-controlled storage. We are completing a condition assessment that will inform necessary steps to conserve and stabilize the jacket as we prepare to put it on public display. The archivist will also document the item, including taking digital photography that will enable us to feature the jacket online.
What is the jacket’s provenance?
The jacket was originally sold at an auction at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on November 27, 1978, to a private collector. Almost 500 items were offered for sale by Sid Luft, Judy Garland’s third husband.
Has the jacket been to Carnegie Hall’s Rose Museum before?
Carnegie Hall has borrowed the jacket from private collectors twice for temporary exhibits. It was first on display in the Hall’s Rose Museum on June 14 and 15, 2006, to coincide with Rufus Wainwright’s performances that recreated Judy Garland’s debut on April 23, 1961. It returned for one night on December 12, 2022, to coincide with Jessica Vosk’s Get Happy: A Judy Garland Centennial Celebration. Both temporary exhibits were a huge hit with audiences.
If you don’t raise the necessary funds, what will happen to the jacket?
The campaign will continue until we have the necessary funds for this work. When the campaign is completed, we will celebrate by installing the jacket in Carnegie Hall’s Rose Museum in New York City. Your support can help ensure this treasured artifact is available for all to enjoy—the sooner, the better!
Why does Carnegie Hall need to raise special funds for this project?
As a nonprofit organization, Carnegie Hall raises millions of dollars each year to support all of its artistic, educational, and digital initiatives, including special projects like this. Generous supporters play an important role in enabling the Hall to deliver on its mission of bringing the transformative power of music to the widest possible audience.
What benefits do I receive from donating to this project?
Your gift today will support the ongoing preservation of this important item as well as Carnegie Hall’s ability to put it on permanent display for all to enjoy.
All gifts of $25 or higher given by June 30, 2025, will be recognized on a special digital donor list that can be accessed via QR code displayed alongside Judy Garland’s lucky jacket in the Hall’s Rose Museum.
Gifts of $100 and more will be listed and receive exclusive member benefits, including access to rehearsals, ticket presales, member appreciation events, half-price tickets, and more.
Support today and be a part of musical history.