After years of building, collecting and perfecting, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History opened Entertainment Nation.
The brand new wing is dedicated to music, movies and TV shows, celebrating entertainers who helped create and define American culture and music. It is the first exhibit to focus on entertainment history.
The exhibit begins with a dazzling red carpet and includes iconic features such as a yellow brick road, the magical ruby slippers, Star Wars’ C-3PO and R2-D2, and some of the first Muppets on display. It is complete with immersive surround-sound, enhancing the listening experience for museum visitors.
This year, the Smithsonian honored stars such as Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Susan Tedeschi, and Dave Grohl with the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal. The award, established in 1965, honors people who have made distinguished contributions to the advancement of areas of interest to the Smithsonian.