The free exhibition debuts Jan. 23 in the Academy's Fourth Floor Gallery in Beverly Hills, CA.

"With unparalleled access to the Coward Archives, and drawing on public and private collections in Europe and the U.S., as well as the Academy's Margaret Herrick Library," press notes state, "the exhibition brings together dozens of rare photographs, drawings, paintings, original manuscripts, letters, sheet music, posters, playbills, set and costume designs, personal memorabilia, audio and video clips, and original costumes, including several of the silk dressing gowns that became Coward's trademark.

"Coward's friendships with many of the 20th century's leading artists and film personalities also are documented throughout the exhibition, as are his contributions to the film world through his on-screen appearances and the numerous film adaptations of his stage work."

Coward penned the plays Hay Fever, Private Lives, Cavalcade, Design for Living and Blithe Spirit as well as the songs "I'll See You Again," "Mad About the Boy" and "Mad Dogs and Englishmen."

The exhibition is presented in association with the Noël Coward Foundation and the Museum of Performance & Design in San Francisco. The Academy’s installation has been guest curated by Brad Rosenstein and Rosy Runciman; the original exhibition was conceived and developed at Ten Chimneys by Erika Kent. The Academy's Fourth Floor Gallery is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills and is open Tuesday through Friday 10 AM-5 PM and weekends, noon-6 PM. For more information call (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org.