Stranger Things has marked a lot of firsts for Netflix: it became the first original series to become a global hit and cultural phenomenon, the first series owned by the streamer and the first title Netflix has been able to turn into a licensing bonanza with a slew of consumer product deals. Now the supernatural coming-of-age drama, which wrapped its five-season run on New Year’s Eve, also has become Netflix’s first show with a presence at the Smithsonian.
It will be represented by Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) signature outfit built around her iconic pink dress from Season 1. Ryan Lintelman, entertainment curator, Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, announced the donation at a Netflix FYC event for the series at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery Thursday night attended by Stranger Things cast and crew, including creators/executive producers/directors Matt and Ross Duffer, director/executive producer Shawn Levy and stars David Harbour, Natalia Dyer, Jamie Campbell Bower and Noah Schnapp.
“This is amazing, thank you so much,” Matt Duffer exclaimed as he, Ross Duffer and Levy walked on stage to sign the deed of gift. (You can watch the signing video below.) Levy has his own history with the Smithsonian having directed and produced the 2009 feature Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian starring Ben Stiller, which is set there.
In his speech, Lintelman noted that Stranger Things “told a compelling and complex story with themes that resonate now and will stand the test of time: The deeply American skepticism of authority and established wisdom – especially the federal government and unethical activities in the pursuit of science and security,” before ad-libbing, almost apologetically, about his own status of a federal government representative to a big laugh from the audience.
The other themes from the show Lintelman highlighted as exemplified by Eleven’s costume include “The belief that a group of committed individuals can change the world, the idea that young people have a unique ability to see the truth that others can’t, and the power of friendship, courage, and love to overcome any obstacle.”
Lintelman also underlined the significance of the costume, designed by Kimberly Adams and Malgosia Turzanska, which will be part of the national collection at the Smithsonian.
“This costume so brilliantly illustrates Eleven’s journey to discover herself and claim her power,” he said. “Until this point in the series, Eleven had only worn hospital gowns and hand-me-downs, suggesting her lack of autonomy and individuality; when she first puts on the dress and a blonde wig, Eleven remarks that she looks pretty, a major step on her journey to self-awareness and empowerment.”
(L-R): Shawn Levy, Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer and Smithsonian Coordinator Ryan Lintelman during the deed of gift signing at Netflix’s FYSEE LA ‘Stranger Things’ event on May 21, 2026 at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Netflix
Lintelman also mentioned the dress’s cultural zeitgeist impact as one of the most sought-after costumes of the 2016 Halloween season.
Halloween costumes was the first area Stranger Things expanded into as a brand, followed by dozens of others, from toys and games to live experience to clothing and other consumer products.
