Costume pieces that were designed for The Lion King by Julie Taymor, along with a mask that is used in the hit musical co-designed by Michael Curry and Taymor, were donated to the National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian.

The costume elements, which include the lion mask and headdress for Simba and the hat, custom shoes and costume designed for Rafiki, are joining with other Broadway iconic objects from musicals like The King and I, Rent and Cats, which are all part of the permanent entertainment collection of the museum.

Currently playing in their twelfth year on Broadway, The Lion King recently exceeded 50 million their worldwide attendance. It became the first musical from America to achieve the milestone. Julie Taymor is the director, Richard Hudson does the scenic design, Donald Holder does the lighting design, and Garth Fagan does the choreography. Robert Allers wrote the book and co-directed on the animated feature, along with Irene Mecchi, who was the co-writer on the movie’s screen play. Music is from Tim Rice and Elton John’s music for the animated film. Rice and John also wrote three new songs, with additional music from Hans Zimmer, Julie Taymor, Jay Rifkin, Mark Mancina and Leo M from South Africa. Music written by Hans Zimmer, Mark Mancina and Lebo M for “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an animated film, is also featured.