"This lively and interesting book turns a spotlight on nearly 300 key artifacts (a fraction of the more than a million objects in the Smithsonian’s collection) and sets them in social and historical context through a series of essays. […] With this book in hand, those unable to visit the Smithsonian in person can enjoy these national treasures.”
-- Booklist
US history gets the star treatment with this essential guide to the Smithsonian’s first permanent exhibition on pop culture, featuring objects like Muhammad Ali’s training robe, and Leonard Nimoy’s Spock ears, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers, oh my!
Entertainment Nation is a star-studded and richly illustrated book celebrating the best of 150 years of US pop culture. The book presents nearly 300 breathtaking Smithsonian objects from the first long-term exhibition on popular culture, and features contributors like Billie Jean King, Ali Wong, and Jill Lepore. Entertainment Nation offers the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the passion and grit of star athletes, the limelight of the music industry and theater, and the amazing entertainers we love to watch, with dazzling cultural touchstones like:
Music and Theater
- Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton costume
- John Coltrane’s saxophone
- Selena’s leather outfit
Film and Television
- Captain America’s shield
- Mr. Roger’s sweater
- Seinfeld’s puffy shirt
Sports
- Mia Hamm’s Olympic jersey
- Kristi Yamaguchi’s ice skates
- Babe Ruth autographed baseball
The book includes essays that contextualize the objects’ place in time and history, exploring how entertainment sparks conversation and debate, reveals social tensions and political power, and dictates who gets to be the hero or the villain. Taking a nostalgic look at old favorites and an exhilarating glimpse of contemporary attractions, Entertainment Nation is a love letter to pop culture.
To order a copy of the catalog, click here.
Reviews and Press Coverage of the Entertainment Nation exhibition:
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America: The Entertainment Nation
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A bit of the Woodstock stage, Dorothy's slippers and Prince's guitar
A 50-year-old piece of plywood stained with traces of psychedelic painting was installed this month in an exhibit on the third floor of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. It is a simple artifact - about 4 feet by 8 - but one that's sacred to the story of rock-and-roll.
Inside the American History Museum's New Pop Culture Exhibit
A new exhibit at the American History Museum, "," is opening on December 9 with pop culture artifacts such as Elisabeth Moss' costume from Entertainment Nation T he Handmaid's Tale, Muhammad Ali's robe, and Dorothy's ruby slippers. The permanent display celebrates American entertainment over the last 150 years, encompassing film, television, music, sports, and theater.
American Pop Culture Takes the Spotlight in a New Blockbuster Exhibition
Growing up around Washington, D.C., Dave Grohl spent a lot of time in the Smithsonian museums, sometimes on school trips, other times just to get out of the summer's heat and humidity and into their air conditioning. He was back last week to help open the National Museum of American History's new culture wing along with its big new permanent exhibition, "Entertainment Nation."