Ever wonder what happens to those legendary movie relics after life on screen ends? Many costumes and other memorabilia are sold at auction to the highest bidder while others are stowed away by the studios. But, for the special few, the afterlife starts in a museum.
Last week, Fox Searchlight donated Hilary Swank's 'Amelia' costume to a nonprofit organization, the Ninety-Nines. The organization, a group of licensed women pilots from 35 countries, will add the white jumpsuit, brown leather bomber jacket and matching leather hat to the collection at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in Atchison, Kan.
For the 5,000-plus women who are members of the organization, Amelia Earhart is the ultimate icon and someone whose story instills inspiration and courage in the lives of women around the world.
Other legendary costumes from the movies that have inspired us can be found in museums around the country. Here are some favorites that every movie buff should definitely see:
Dorothy's Ruby Slippers from "The Wizard of Oz"
National Museum of American History
These famous slippers aren't in Kansas anymore. They've made their way to the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. as part of the "Icons of American Culture" exhibit. While several pairs of shoes were made for the movie, this particular pair was worn by Judy Garland in dance scenes.
Masks and Costumes from "The Lion King"
National Museum of American History
Disney Theatrical Productions donated costume elements from "The Lion King" musical. Items on display include Simba's lion mask and headdress as well as the costume, shoes and hat designed for Rafiki.
Ivory Dress Worn by Marilyn Monroe in "The Seven Year Itch"
Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Motion Picture Museum
Visitors come from all over the country to see this iconic pleated "subway" dress. Marilyn Monroe famously donned the dress over a sidewalk grating in the 1955 comedy "The Seven Year Itch."
Napoleon Bonaparte Costume from "Désirée"
Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Motion Picture Museum
This coronation costume worn by Marlon Brando is one of the most expensive costumes ever designed, costing over $10,000 to create.
Racine Belles Costume from "A League of Their Own"
Wisconsin Historical Museum
Who can forget a smiley Geena Davis and Madonna batting their hearts in a film that reinvigorated women's professional baseball? You can admire one of the film's uniforms in all its glory at the Wisconsin Historical Museum.
George Reeves "Superman" Costume
The Super Museum
Superman's famous colored costume may have the most appeal to visitors of The Super Museum, but it's the chance to see the brown and grey costume designed for black and white television that's truly special.
Suit and Sunglasses from "Men in Black"
The Hollywood Museum
The familiar black suit and sunglasses worn by Tommy Lee Jones in "Men in Black" are yours to see at the official museum of Hollywood.
Costumes from "Moulin Rouge"
The Hollywood Museum
The intricate set design and costumes from the 2001 musical "Moulin Rouge" are a sight to be seen. The exhibit features the film's famous windmill along with various props, posters and more.
Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman's Clothes from "Casablanca"
Warner Bros. Museum
The Warner Bros. Museum opened in 1996 and houses costumes and props collected over more than 70 years of film making. You can see some amazing items from classic films including the clothes from "Casablanca." Just be sure you register for a VIP Studio Tour - it's the only way inside the museum.
In addition to these permanent exhibits, don't miss Out of this World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television, a temporary display at The California Museum now through January 10, 2010.
