Beyoncé Vogue portrait acquired by the Smithsonian Institution

The news was announced by photographer Tyler Mitchell.

August 07, 2019
Beyoncé <I>Vogue</i> portrait acquired by the Smithsonian Institution Beyonce attends the European Premiere of Disney's The Lion King at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on July 14, 2019 in London, England.   Gareth Cattermole/Getty

A portrait of Beyoncé shot by photographer Tyler Mitchell for her 2018 Vogue cover will be added to the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery's permanent collection, it has been confirmed.

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The historic image, 23-year-old Mitchell became the first African American photographer to ever shoot a cover for the magazine, will be exhibited at an undisclosed date in the future.

Tweeting about the news, Mitchell wrote: "A year ago today we broke the flood gates open. Now I’m glad to share this picture is being acquired into the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection."

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The acquisition was confirmed to CNN by The National Portrait Gallery, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. "We are delighted to acquire this magnificent portrait of Beyoncé," said Leslie Ureña, Associate Curator of Photographs.

Last month Beyoncé shared new album The Gift, a compilation album accompanying the release of Disney's The Lion King. The album features multiple new tracks by Beyoncé as well as contributions from Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Burna Boy, and more.

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Beyoncé Vogue portrait acquired by the Smithsonian Institution