DC's 'Newseum' becomes a parody of itself

The Newseum opened in 1997 with the mission of chronicling America's unique experiment in free speech and the importance of a free press in a democratic society.  It featured exhibits on the evolution of journalism and world events, from print media and photography to broadcast journalism and talk radio.

But recently, the museum has taken an odd turn with its exhibits. Last month, we reported how the Newseum had to rethink its decision to add the names of two suspected Hamas terrorists to its memorial for those killed in pursuit of the news.

Now, there's this announcement:

The Newseum, in partnership with Paramount Pictures, will open "Anchorman: The Exhibit," featuring props, costumes and footage from the 2004 hit comedy "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy."

Yes, the museum dedicated to the objectivity of news media is entering into a corporate partnership to host an exhibit about a fake news anchor and his band of merry broadcasters...

(Image: Paramount Pictures)

DCist has more:

Ron Burgundy is going on display at the Newseum when "Anchorman: The Exhibit" opens on Nov. 14. Among the artifacts from the 2004 film broadcast journalism bible Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy will be the velour-heavy wardrobe that clothed the Channel 4 Evening News Team, Burgundy's jazz flute, and the KVWN news desk, which Newseum visitors will be able to sit behind...

Anchorman will also be folded into the Newseum's longstanding "Be a TV Reporter" exhibit with a new introduction recorded by Will Ferrell, in character as Burgundy. Clips of the Burgundy character will also appear throughout the rest of the Anchorman display. The famously tempestuous fictional newsman will, quite literally, be trapped in a glass case of emotion.

Of course, it's all very well timed. The long-awaited sequel to Anchorman, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, arrives in movie theaters on Dec. 20.

Of course.