Smithsonian Acquires ‘Black Panther’ Vibranium Suit

By Sameer Rao Jun 22, 2018

Several artifacts of Wakandan history will soon head to Washington D.C.

Deadline reported yesterday (June 21) that the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) acquired several items from the production of "Black Panther." A statement from NMAAHC lists the titular hero’s vibranium suit (designed by Ruth E. Carter), a shooting script from director Ryan Coogler and 24 high-resolution production still among the obtained items.

"Black Panther is the first superhero of African descent to appear in mainstream American comics, and the film itself is the first major cinematic production based on the character," reads the museum’s statement. "’Black Panther’ illustrates the progression of Blacks in film, an industry that, in the past, has overlooked Blacks, or regulated them to flat, one-dimensional and marginalized figures. The film, like the museum, provides a fuller story of Black culture and identity."

No word yet on when the items will be displayed.