Skip to main content Smithsonian Institution

Catalog Data

Wearer:
Cruz, Celia  Search this
Physical Description:
vinyl; leather; rubber (overall material)
Measurements:
overall: 17 cm x 9 cm x 22 cm; 6 11/16 in x 3 9/16 in x 8 11/16 in
overall: 6 5/8 in x 3 1/4 in x 9 in; 16.8275 cm x 8.255 cm x 22.86 cm
Object Name:
shoes, pair of
Date made:
ca 1992
Description (Brief):
These custom-made, gold vinyl platform shoes made by Miguel Nieto, were worn by Afro-Cuban vocalist Celia Cruz, known internationally as the "Queen of Salsa." Cruz's shoes, costumes, and her singing have always had a strong connection. Born one of 14 children to a poor family from Havana, Cuba, Cruz earned her first pair of shoes by singing to a tourist who bought them for her. She helped usher in the popularity of salsa music in the 1970’s. In 1997, at a ceremony honoring her 50-year musical career, Cruz donated her stage costume--shoes and all--to the Smithsonian.
Credit Line:
Gift of Celia Cruz
ID Number:
1997.0291.02
Accession number:
1997.0291
Catalog number:
1997.0291.02
See more items in:
Culture and the Arts: Entertainment
Exhibition:
Entertainment Nation
Exhibition Location:
National Museum of American History
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-12cf-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_834815