Olivia Benson has officially made her mark on American history. The Smithsonian Institution has just welcomed a significant addition to its collection: an authentic Olivia Benson costume from *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*. On September 10, Mariska Hargitay, who has portrayed Benson since the show’s inception, helped unveil the new exhibit at the renowned Washington, D.C. museum.
In an Instagram post, the museum announced the donation with excitement, stating, “DUN DUN 🚨 Mariska Hargitay (@therealmariskahargitay) and series creator Dick Wolf (@wolfentertainment) personally came to our @amhistorymuseum to donate a piece of Hargitay’s wardrobe from her iconic role as Olivia Benson in @nbclawandorder. Law & Order: SVU is the longest-running primetime, live-action series in American history.”
The inclusion of Benson’s costume is not just about the character’s enduring popularity; it’s also about the show’s impact on society. Smithsonian curator Ryan Lintelman explained the deeper significance of adding this piece to the museum’s collection: “We collect costumes from television and entertainment history because they help us to talk to visitors about important series that have shaped national debates, shaped people’s identities, helped them to understand the world around them.”
*Law & Order: SVU* has been instrumental in raising awareness about the justice system, sexual violence, and the experiences of survivors, fostering empathy and understanding among its viewers. Lintelman emphasized that the show’s storytelling has profoundly influenced American perceptions of these critical issues.
At the unveiling, Hargitay expressed her pride in this honor. “We are at the Smithsonian and my Olivia Benson costume has been donated, so I am extremely proud and extremely honored,” she said with a smile, even jokingly asking if she was allowed to touch the costume.
The donation comes just in time for the highly anticipated premiere of *Law & Order: SVU* Season 26 on October 3, 2024. Hargitay, who has been sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses with fans, recently reflected on her character’s evolution in an interview with *Hemispheres Magazine*. She noted, “[25 seasons] has given us this very unique opportunity to do something unprecedented. It’s the longest-running show in history, and it’s not by accident that Benson’s progression mirrors the exact evolution of women in broader society… She rose up through the ranks, became a leader, and now captain — all while being a mother. Let’s see how far we can take it, you know?”
With this Smithsonian honor, Olivia Benson’s legacy is now permanently enshrined in American cultural history, celebrating the character’s powerful influence and the show’s continued relevance.
