Iconic piece of cinematic history comes to Bury St Edmunds this winter

This incredible screen-used 2nd Ranger Battalion costume, worn by Tom Hanks (Captain Miller) in ‘Saving Private Ryan’, is a remarkable piece of cinematic history.

Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, this iconic WW2 film takes its audience on an evocative and harrowing mission, as Captain Miller and his heroic Ranger battalion traverse enemy territory to find and expatriate Private Ryan (Matt Damon) – the last remaining of four brothers, the others having fallen in battle.

This remarkable and period-accurate ensemble, developed by costume-designer, Joanna Johnston, and handmade for the production, includes a combat jacket with built-in pockets and a Rangers patch, trousers labelled “Miller”, a button-up shirt with a Rangers patch, an undershirt, a tactical vest marked ‘Miller” and matching boots. A rehearsal helmet (hand-marked “Miller”) with 2nd Ranger insignia, a webbed belt stencilled "U.S.", boot-covers and a metal shovel complete the look.

The costume exhibits production wear, including grime build up, thread pulls and discoloured areas.

Renowned for its authenticity, ‘Saving Private Ryan’ revolutionised war cinema, winning five Academy Awards®. This costume encapsulates Spielberg’s dedication to realism, serving as a lasting tribute to the film’s legacy and a testament to the heroic sacrifices of the soldiers of World War II.

The uniform joins this year’s Sci-Fi and Action Exhibition, featuring robots, costumes & memorabilia from classic franchises. Explore screen-used props and memorabilia from blockbuster war epics including Wonder Woman, The Monuments Men, Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, A Bridge Too Far, Captain America, and many more.

Stephen Rivers, Director, Kudos Memorabilia Ltd said: “It is a pleasure to be working, once again, with our friends at Moyse’s Hall. ‘Saving Private Ryan’ singlehandedly redefined the cinematic war genre and is such a special movie for so many people. Given the museum’s passion for epic war films, we are delighted to share this iconic Captain Miller costume from our collection - one of our all-time favourites - with visitors to this year’s Annual Sci-Fi and Action Exhibition. This screen-used uniform perfectly complements the other exhibits from ‘The Monuments Men’ and ‘Band of Brothers’ and is sure to enrich the experience of film fans and WW2 aficionados during its time on display.”

Councillor Ian Shipp, Cabinet Member for Leisure at West Suffolk Council, said: "Kudos Memorabilia have been a huge support to West Suffolk Council’s Moyse’s Hall Museum over the years, lending multiple iconic props and costumes worn in some of the biggest movies of all time. It is with thanks to them that as of Saturday, 7th December, we can share this incredible uniform from one of Hollywood’s most humbling of blockbusters”.

Dates: Sat 26 October 2024 – Sun 2 February 2025

Times: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm (last admission 4pm)

Sunday 12pm – 4pm (last admission 3pm)

Closed – 23 Dec – 3 Jan inclusive.

Admission: Adults £5, Child / Student £3 (6 – 16), Concessions £4.50 (60+), Under 5s FREE

Venue: Moyse’s Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds

For more information about Kudos Memorabilia, please visit the Kudos Memorabilia website