‘Star Wars’ Droids, Prince’s Guitar, Mr. Rogers‘ Sweater: Smithsonian’s New Pop Culture Wing Places Entertainment Artifacts At Center Of American Experience

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The Smithsonian last week debuted its long in the works Entertainment Nation, an entire wing at the National Museum of American History devoted, for the first time, to pop culture.

With Dolby sound, digital projection and advanced lighting, it is everything you would expect to engage 21st century audiences.

But none of the bells and whistles distract from the actual artifacts. Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, long been on display as one of the most requested items at the museum, are now in one place along with less-viewed items like George Reeves’ Superman costume, Mr.

Rogers’ sweater, the egg from Alien and Captain America’s shield. The point is to show how these costumes, props, uniforms and other items represent a powerful and influential aspect of culture, showcased under the same roof as other American treasures like Abraham Lincoln’s hat and the Star-Spangled Banner. “One of the statements that we want to make here is that this stuff is not separate from history,” said Ryan Lintelman, curator of the entertainment collection. “It is not something that we should look down on or excuse that you are into movies or sports or whatever it may be.