---
title: "Shoes: Pleasure and Pain"
date: 2016-11-19T00:00:00-05:00
author: Caroline Herr
canonical_url: "https://www.pem.org/exhibitions/shoes-pleasure-and-pain"
section: Exhibitions
---
![Shoes: Pleasure and Pain](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/pem-org/general/exShoes_3600_01.jpg)

 Past Exhibition

# Shoes: Pleasure and Pain

 

On view November 19, 2016 to March 12, 2017

 [Become a member](/membership) 

 

 

 

Today's hours:

10 am–5 pm

 

 

 

Monday

10 am–5 pm

 

Tuesday

Closed

 

Wednesday

Closed

 

Thursday

10 am–5 pm

 

Friday

10 am–5 pm

 

Saturday

10 am–5 pm

 

Sunday

10 am–5 pm

 

 

 

 

 

## Explore the creativity of footwear from around the globe through more than 300 pairs of shoes.

 

From elaborate vintage designs to those by contemporary makers, this exhibition considers the cultural significance and transformative capacity of shoes. It examines the latest developments in footwear technology creating the possibility of ever higher heels and dramatic shapes. Examples from famous shoe collectors are shown alongside a dazzling range of historic shoes, many of which have not been displayed before. The exhibition is organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Foundation provided generous support. The East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum provided additional support.

**Media Partners** *Boston Spirit,* Magic 106.7

**Community Partner**  
Dress for Success Boston

**Promotional Partner**  
Neiman Marcus

 

 

 

## Keep exploring

 

 

 

 

 ![PEM Celebrates a Century of Iris Apfel](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/pem-org/general/Press_VCelebratesIris100_1800_Share.jpg)

Exhibition

Fashion & Design

 

Closed May 18–August 1, 2026

 [Learn more](https://www.pem.org/exhibitions/fashion-and-design) 

 

 

 

 

 

 ![PEM shoe collection inspires designers, 3 shoes](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/pem-org/images/modules/browser-width/blognbshoesBG001.jpg)

Blog

PEM shoe collection inspires designers

 

6 min read

 [Read now](https://www.pem.org/blog/pem-shoe-collection-inspires-designers) 

 

 

 

 

 

 ![Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/pem-org/images/Exhibition_IrisRareBirdFashion_Share_1800px.jpg)

Past Exhibition

Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel

 

October 17, 2009 to February 7, 2010

 [Learn more](https://www.pem.org/exhibitions/rare-bird-of-fashion-the-irreverent-iris-apfel) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay up to date.

Enter your email to sign up for our newsletter.