On his Wednesday night show, Stephen Colbert told viewers that, although he is lumped together with other late night hosts, he is different. He is a newsman. This was said all very tongue-in-cheek of course, but Colbert may not be far from wrong. The Colbert Report is a little different from other variety shows, and the program’s host definitely stands out from the pack.

In his quest to find ways to fill up air time, Colbert taped three recently-aired hilarious segments in which he chronicled his quest to hang in the nation’s museum: The Smithsonian Institution. For six weeks, Colbert’s portrait (from season three, this one features four different Stephens in the picture) will hang just outside the Hall of Presidents in the National Portrait Gallery. To be specific, right under the sign for the restrooms. This is, of course, only a temporary arrangement. (An official for the museum said the Institute is going along with the joke, and the portrait will not be a permanent fixture.) Since Colbert’s announcement, several young visitors have flocked to the museum to pose with the portrait - even some who had never been to the National Portrait Gallery before.

The sheer loyalty Colbert commands sets him apart from other hosts, and the attention he receives is no laughing matter. Somehow, I can’t help but think Colbert’s portrait won’t have any trouble finding a permanent home in some prestigious locale.