Summary
Exciting Developments at the National Air and Space Museum
One of the most popular Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C., the National Air and Space Museum, is launching to new heights this fall. The museum will reopen half of its main building on October 14, which includes the debut of eight new and renovated exhibitions, the planetarium, the museum store, and Mars Café.
Details on the Renovation Project
Currently, the flagship space located right on the National Mall is undergoing a comprehensive seven-year renovation project that started in 2018. Consequently, this project will lead to the redesign of all 23 exhibition spaces, in addition to a new exterior and various internal upgrades and improvements.
Exciting New Exhibits to Explore
According to Chris Brown, a director at the museum, “This is one of the most exciting times in the National Air and Space Museum’s history.” He noted that the gallery reimaginings aim to inspire visitors through artifacts on display for the first time, iconic aerospace representations presented in innovative ways, and diverse storytelling.
The upcoming exhibits include:
- America by Air
- Destination Moon
- Early Flight
- Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery
- Nation of Speed
- One World Connected
- Thomas W. Haas We All Fly
- Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Aerial Age
Among the new artifacts are:
- Jackie Cochran’s T-38, recognized as the aircraft flown by the first woman to break the sound barrier.
- The Sharp DR 90 Nemesis air racer, an iconic figure in air racing history.
- The Aviation Specialties Unlimited Challenger III, which was Sean Tucker’s aerobatic biplane.
Furthermore, Star Wars fans will appreciate the opportunity to see the X-Wing Starfighter from “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” being displayed for the first time on loan from Lucasfilm.
Other classic favorites will also be presented anew. The Apollo 11 command module Columbia will be displayed in a climate-controlled case adjacent to Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 spacesuit. Moreover, the Wright Flyer from 1903 will be shown in a way that better conveys its historical significance. Visitors can also expect more interactive hands-on displays throughout the museum.
Planning Your Visit
As with other Smithsonian museums, the National Air and Space Museum offers free admission, but visitors must obtain timed-entry passes to facilitate their visit. Passes can be reserved for tickets through November, allowing each individual to secure up to six passes for a specific time slot. Tickets will be released in six-week blocks, with the next block opening on October 28. To avoid overcrowding, it is advisable to plan ahead, especially since only half of the building will be accessible initially.
Additionally, while the central D.C. location is the main facility, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, complements the museum and is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily with no admission fee, although parking incurs a fee of $15.
