Superman Costume, worn by George Reeves on The Adventures of Superman

Costume worn by George Reeves as Superman in the TV version of The Adventures of Superman

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.

View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Costume worn by George Reeves as Superman in the TV version of The Adventures of Superman
Costume worn by George Reeves as Superman in the TV version of The Adventures of Superman

Object Details

user

Reeves, George

maker

Western Costume

Description

This costume was worn by actor George Reeves (1914-1959) on the syndicated television program, "The Adventures of Superman" (ca .1952-1958.) It was the first television show to feature the superhero, first introduced in Action Comics No. 1 in 1938.

Sent to Earth after the destruction of his home planet, Superman uses his special abilities - including super-strength and flight- to fight for "truth, justice and the American way." Superman took his fight to television at at the height of the Cold War against communist expansion.

Location

Currently not on view

Credit Line

DC Comics, Incorporated

Date made

1952 - 1958

ID Number

1987.0213.163

accession number

1987.0213

catalog number

1987.0213.163

Object Name

Costume

Object Type

costume

Costume

Measurements

overall: 60 in x 24 in; 152.4 cm x 60.96 cm

place made

United States: California, Los Angeles

See more items in

Culture and the Arts: Entertainment

Popular Entertainment

Data Source

National Museum of American History

Subject

Superman

general subject association

Television

Metadata Usage

CC0

Link to Original Record

https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-f2f1-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record ID

nmah_682946