From its red-carpet entryway to a yellow brick road, “Entertainment Nation” immerses visitors in the dramatic arc of the American story as told through the power and influence of theater, television, film, music, and sports.
With approximately 200 objects, the 7,200-square-foot, multimedia exhibition is the Smithsonian’s first dedicated exploration of entertainment history. Through iconic objects from the museum’s renowned collection and graphics, video, and compelling stories, the exhibit showcases how Americans have long used entertainment to both elicit delight and understand different viewpoints.
Audiences are captivated by objects from culture makers such as Muhammad Ali and Ali Wong who broke barriers, Tejana singer Selena, Star Wars’ C-3PO and R2-D2, and the enduring magical pull of the Ruby Slippers along with the charm of the first Muppets. Never-before-on-view objects include a pair of sneakers Fred Rogers wore on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, guitars from music legends Prince, Jose Feliciano, Toby Keith, and Paul Simon, a cape from astrologer and television personality Walter Mercado and Michelle Yeoh’s Star Trek: Discovery costume.
There are six bronze touchable models (made from 3D scans) that visitors can interact with through visual descriptions and QR codes. Five are actual-size models, including the Ruby Slippers, Gertrude Ederle’s swim goggles, a “Miracle on Ice” hockey glove, Nipsey Hussle’s chains and pendants, and a Wurlitzer tabletop jukebox. There is also a reduced-size bas relief in bronze of a circus poster on display. Navigation touch pads are available on the kiosks in front of five object cases that are part of the micro galleries on comedy, music and television. A vivid replica of Prince’s “Yellow Cloud” guitar provides visitors with a photo opportunity in front of the spotlight case of the actual guitar he used in Purple Rain.
