Hey there, let's dive into something truly extraordinary! Oprah Winfrey, the queen of talk shows, is set to receive her very own exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. And guess what? Even Oprah herself admits it's a "really big deal." This is not just an exhibit; it's a celebration of her life, her journey, and her profound influence on American culture and beyond.
Exploring the Exhibit: "Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture"
Running from June 8, 2018, to June 2019, the exhibit titled "Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture" is a deep dive into the world of Oprah. It's not just a collection of memorabilia; it's a journey through her life, from her humble beginnings in the 1950s to her meteoric rise as a talk show icon in the late 20th century. Visitors will get to see exclusive video clips, personal interviews, candid photos, heartfelt journal entries, and even some of Oprah's iconic clothing. This exhibit doesn't just tell her story—it invites you to experience it.
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Co-curator Kathleen Kendrick, who collaborated closely with Oprah's team to create this exhibit, shared her insights with The Washington Post. "We're providing a context for understanding not only who she is, but how she became a global figure, and how she is connected to broader stories and themes," she explained. This exhibit isn't just about Oprah; it's about the impact she's had on American culture and the world at large.
Why Oprah? The Trust and Influence of a Cultural Icon
Lonnie G. Bunch III, the museum director, highlighted the unique trust Oprah has garnered from the American public. "What's interesting is the same way America thought about Walter Cronkite—you could trust Walter Cronkite and his opinion—they trust Oprah," he said. Kendrick added, "She used television as a social medium, convening conversations and creating these interactive experiences with people. She's offering lessons for living, social guidance in a way." Oprah's ability to connect with her audience on a deeply personal level has set her apart from other media figures, making her a true cultural icon.
Oprah's Generosity and the Bright Line
Oprah's generosity knows no bounds. She donated an impressive $21 million to the museum, which opened in September 2016 with a theater named in her honor. However, this exhibit isn't about her philanthropy—it's about her cultural impact. "We made sure there was a bright line, that this was done by the museum and museum scholars," Bunch explained. "The fundraising was not through Oprah's people." This distinction ensures that the exhibit remains a true celebration of her legacy.
On the June 5 episode of CBS This Morning, co-hosted by her best friend Gayle King, Oprah reflected on the significance of this honor. "As I was thinking about it last night, I thought, 'This is a really big deal,'" she said. "And the thing that makes me the most proud is watching The Oprah Winfrey Show and its impact on the culture, because it's been off the air for seven years as of May 25, and there is not a day that I go anywhere in the world that there aren't several people who come up to me and tell me about the impact the show has had on them. And that is no small thing for me."
The Oprah Effect: Boosting the Museum's Popularity
The museum administration timed this buzzworthy exhibit to address concerns about a potential drop in attendance. But here's the kicker—attendance hasn't dropped. Since its opening, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has welcomed 3.8 million visitors, making it one of Washington DC's most popular attractions. And with this exhibit, the Oprah Effect is only going to amplify its allure.
