Last year, photographer Tyler Mitchell was recruited by Beyoncé to shoot her iconic Vogue cover shoot. Yesterday (Aug. 6), news broke that Mitchell’s infamous portrait will be displayed in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D. C.

“A year ago today we broke the flood gates open Now I’m glad to share this picture is being acquired into the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection,” the 24-year-old wrote to Twitter.

Mitchell became the first African-American photographer to shoot a cover for Vogue in its 125-year history. While speaking with PEOPLE, the National Portrait Gallery confirmed that the portrait has been acquired. “We are delighted to acquire this magnificent portrait of Beyoncé,” the statement reads.

During his conversation with Vogue, the ATL photographer expressed his gratitude towards the Houston native. Mitchell explained to the fashion publication that Queen Bey was an open book, which made his job easier. “When she sat down for me there was immediately the kind of comfort level you’d have with a friend, which was quite unexpected,” Mitchell revealed.

Mitchell continued, “You’d imagine someone as famous as Beyoncé to be protective of her image, but she was really an open book — and that’s exactly what you want as a photographer. It’s funny because I’m pretty sure she headlined the first concert I ever went to, when I was maybe eight or nine, so you could say we met in a past life.”

It’s safe to say that Beyoncé embraces the idea of breaking down barriers. During her cover shoot for Vogue, the “Formation” singer revealed that she hired Mitchell to help open doors.

“It’s important to me that I help open doors for younger artists,” she said. “There are so many cultural and societal barriers to entry that I like to do what I can to level the playing field, to present a different point of view for people who may feel like their voices don’t matter.”

An exact date regarding when the portrait will go up in the Smithsonian has yet to be revealed. Check out Tyler Mitchell’s exciting announcement below.