In 2006, Robert De Niro donated an archival collection containing “more than 1,300 boxes of papers, film, movie props and costumes” from throughout his motion picture career to the Harry Ransom Center, a research library and museum at the University of Texas in Austin. “Filling more than 300 archival boxes, the paper portion of the collection includes De Niro's heavily-annotated scripts and correspondence, make-up and wardrobe photographs, wardrobe continuity books, costume designs and posters, and extensive production, publicity and research material,” according to a press release from the Ransom Center.

“With about 8,500 items filling more than 1,000 boxes, the costumes and props within the collection constitute the Center's largest single costume holding and include such iconic items as the leopard-print boxing robe worn by De Niro in Raging Bull (1980) and the voluminous, body-length coats of the creature in Frankenstein (1994). Some of the costumes and props are accompanied by wardrobe continuity books that include notes from the wardrobe crew and photographs of De Niro in costume.”

It took more than two years to inventory and catalogue the collection, but it is finally available for viewing by the public. The Ransom Center’s web site has a searchable inventory, so I was able to find a few items of particular interest, including:

Key chain with key and silver fob engraved with “Hotel Ritz” from Goodfellas

Off-white cotton briefs with blue, white, and gold elastic waistband (Fruit of the Loom, manufacturer) from Meet the Fockers

Beige lycra sheer seamless pantyhose, worn by De Niro in Cape Fear

You’ll need an appointment to view De Niro’s pantyhose, but I think we can all agree it’s worth it.