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Smithsonian Enshrines Colbert

Portrait hangs near the bathroom, but still

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 22, 2008 2:10 PM CST

(Newser) – Stephen Colbert has finally been enshrined as the “national treasure” he insists he is. His portrait now hangs in the Smithsonian, the LA Times reports. OK, so it’s next to the Portrait Gallery bathroom, but that just means that, in Colbert’s words, “There has never been a better time to take a whiz in Washington.”

The Smithsonian’s American History museum turned the faux pundit down, but the Portrait Gallery agreed to a 6-week showing, which has drawn big crowds. The traffic is mostly 20-somethings snapping Facebook shots near the bathroom. “The lines have been extraordinary,” said the museum’s director, who is stepping down soon. “A friend e-mailed that it was good I was leaving with my dignity.”

[Images (6)]

[Videos (1)]

Jacqueline Canales, 19, right, poses for a camera phone photograph with a portrait of mock television pundit Stephen Colbert, which is on temporary display by the bathrooms near the "America's Presidents"... (Associated Press)

A portrait of comedian Stephen Colbert hangs outside a bathroom in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008. Colbert tried to convince the Smithsonian that he should be considered... (Associated Press)

National Portrait gallery visitors pose for photos in front of a portrait of comedian Stephen Colbert that hangs outside a bathroom at the Gallery in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Evan... (Associated Press)

Visitors view a portrait of comedian Stephen Colbert that hangs outside a bathroom at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008. Colbert tried to convince the Smithsonian... (Associated Press)

A portrait of comedian Stephen Colbert that hangs on a wall outside a bathroom, is seen through a doorway at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008. Colbert tried to convince... (Associated Press)

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Smithsonian Enshrines Colbert