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Beyoncé Will Join The Smithsonian's Permanent Collection

Updated: Aug 10, 2019

We’re so crazy in love with Queen Bey we just had to see her halo in the Smithsonian!


Beyoncé has found a new museum to call home at the Smithsonian, and she’s literally a work of art in it. A 2018 photograph of Queen Bey shot by Tyler Mitchell will be on display as apart of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection. The portrait of Beyoncé made headlines and history last year as Mitchell is the first African-American photographer to shoot a cover for Vogue.


Thanks to the work of a trailblazing young African American photographer, his heavenly profound photos of Beyoncé graced the magazine’s September 2018 issue. This comes after Beyoncé personally chose the 23 year old photographer at the time to shoot the issue and magazine cover. Poised against a white column with scattered orchids, Beyoncé not only looks breathtaking but magical as she is dripped in a metallic sequin Valentino dress accessorized with a gold Philip Treacy headpiece.


On August 8th, Mitchell made the announcement about the exciting news on his Instagram. He goes on to caption the photo:


“A year ago today we broke the flood gates open… Since then it was important to spend the whole year running through them making sure every piece of the gate was knocked down. And now I’m glad to share this picture is being acquired into the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection.”




The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery is home to more than 23,000 portraits, displaying American icons like President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and the complete collection of presidential portraits, Rosa Parks, and many more.


As the photo hangs on display, it will become immortalized as it enters the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s as a permanent piece of the collection. A spokesperson for the National Portrait Gallery confirmed the addition, but states that the details of how and when the photo will be put on display are currently undetermined as they are still being planned out. Stay tuned to Minnee Movement Media for more information as the story develops!

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