With his bright red fur, big orange nose, and wide eyes, Elmo is arguably the most famous of the Sesame Street muppets. Throughout the '80s his star continued to shine, eventually becoming an international icon and best-selling Christmas toy. Forty years later, he’s still going strong, enshrined in a popular exhibit at the National Museum of American History. Learn all about his rise to icon status from museum curators in the brand-new This Object in History. #Smithsonian80s | Smithsonian Channe

😂 Elmo is a beloved Muppet character from the long-running children’s television show *Sesame Street*. Recognizable by his bright red fur, orange nose, and high-pitched voice, Elmo is typically portrayed as a cheerful and curious three-and-a-half-year-old. He first appeared in the 1970s but rose to prominence in the 1990s with the popularity of the segment “Elmo’s World.” Designed to appeal to preschoolers, Elmo’s simple speech, giggly personality, and childlike wonder have made him a favorite