Michelle Obama’s second inaugural gown headed to Smithsonian

Michelle Obama‘s ruby-red second inaugural gown is headed to the Smithsonian’s popular “First Ladies” exhibit.

Her Jason Wu-designed dress, which she wore to the inaugural balls, will go on display Tuesday, the Smithsonian announced on Monday.

It’s unusual for a first lady’s second inaugural gown to the Smithsonian. Those gowns traditionally go to a president’s library.

{mosads}But, with President Obama still in the Oval Office, Michelle Obama’s gown will grace the National Museum of American History for a year. The loan of the dress also coincides with the centennial of the “First Ladies” exhibit and the museum’s 50th anniversary.

With Obama’s red chiffon gown, which was custom made for her by Wu, in the exhibit, her white gown from the first Obama inaugural, which was a gift to the museum, will not be on display for the year.

“We hope that this loan begins a new tradition of allowing the public to see the second inaugural gown before it goes on display in the future presidential library,” museum Director John Gray said in a statement. “The donation of the first inaugural gown to the Smithsonian is a long-held tradition and this loan will enhance the visitors’ experience to one of the most popular attractions at the Smithsonian.”

The “First Ladies” exhibit features 26 dresses and more than 160 other objects related to the president’s wife.