The FIDM Museum & Library, Inc. was founded in 1978 to serve the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) and the community. Since January 1999, the museum's operations have been separate from the Library and School in order to offer more specialized care and attention to the specific needs of a costume collection. Museum-trained personnel have also been added to the staff to support and aide any and all visitors that visit the different exhibits offered.