'Breaking Bad' props added to Smithsonian collection

Welcome to the Smithsonian, Walter White.

The stars of award-winning TV show "Breaking Bad" were on hand Tuesday to donate memorabilia to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Among the items donated are the "Heisenberg" hat worn by chemistry teacher-turned-drug lord White (played by Bryan Cranston) and the yellow lab suits and gas masks worn by White and Jesse Pinkman (played by Aaron Paul).

"Breaking Bad" stars Cranston as White, who becomes a meth manufacturer in the New Mexico city of Albuquerque, having learned at age 50 that he had terminal lung cancer.

The AMC show, which wrapped up in 2013, mesmerized viewers with a cocktail of meticulously crafted plot, fine acting and scenic camera work.

But it was the stunning metamorphosis of White's average guy persona into that of a veritable monster that ultimately captivated audiences.
Cranston -- who won four Emmys for the role -- delighted photographers by donning the black porkpie hat for a few moments.

"This was a remarkable journey. 'Breaking Bad' changed my life," Cranston said.

"I'm asked often, 'Do you miss the show?' The truth is I don't, because Vince Gilligan and the writers created such a perfectly designed beginning, middle and end to this journey that (if we had done more,) it would almost ruin the experience you had."

Also in the stash of memorabilia -- three bags of faux crystal meth, which are actually blue candy.

"I'm the man who brought crystal meth to the National Museum," joked Dwight Bowers, the museum's entertainment curator.

Cranston explained that there were two version of the yellow Tyvek lab suits, but added: "Neither of them breathe, so it's like being in a sauna."

"Looking at them now brings back good memories. The experience is ephemeral, but the memories are forever," he added.

The items will not be on display to the public until at least 2018, when a new exhibit on American culture is scheduled to open.

The museum's television collection includes objects from other beloved series including "Mad Men" and "Seinfeld."