ONLINE OPP: The Smithsonian’s Superhero Archives!
In the first episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) pays a visit to the Smithsonian Museum of Air and Space, where an exhibit commemorating the legacy of Captain America is on display.
Captain America costume on display (similar to Smithsonian display) at the Summer of Heroes 2017 in Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California. Photo: Rebecca Kaplan
While there’s several reasons that this set may have seemed familiar to you, Marvel Blog has discovered something very neat: you can check out images from a superhero exhibit from our dimension on the Smithsonian’s website!
The Smithsonian in the MCU
Did the Smithsonian exhibit seem somewhat familiar to you? That’s no surprise! In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we first got a glimpse of the Captain America exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of Air and Space in 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
1940s Captain America and the Howling Commandos on display at Smithsonian Museum of Air and Space. Photo: Marvel Studios
In that movie, the exhibit was visited by both a nostalgic Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), as well as a confused Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan).
In the first episode of The Falcon and the Winter Solider, we got to see Sam Wilson and Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Don Cheadle) visit the exhibit.
Photo: Marvel Studios
The Smithsonian in Our Universe
However, while the Smithsonian of the MCU is the site of a Captain America exhibit, the Smithsonian in our universe has a very cool exhibit as well – and you can visit it online! Sometimes, even Steve Rogers makes an appearance for the real world exhibit!
Captain America #252. Photo: Smithsonian
The National Museum of American History had an exhibit on Superheroes that was on display to the public from November 2018 through January 2020. While you cannot currently see the objects in the collection in person, you can see them online! And, I know someone who saw this exhibit in person and said it was amaaaazing, so check it out!
Costume worn by character of Ororo Munroe/Storm in 2014 film “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” Photo: Smithsonian
The exhibit is divided into two segments: costumes and merchandise, and comic books. There are lots of fascinating objects on display, and plenty of our favorite comic book issues made the cut, as well! Rest assured, True Believers, you can spend a lot of time on this website (and hey – you just might learn something)!
Icon #1 created by Dwayne McDuffie (Deathlok) and M.D. Bright (Armor Wars). Photo: Smithsonian
The Shield On Display
Which object in the National Museum of American History’s Superheroes exhibit is your favorite? Who do you hope visits the Smithsonian of the MCU next? Let Marvel Blog know in the comment section!
The shield used by Chris Evans as Captain America in Captain America: Winter Soldier was held at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Photo: Smithsonian
