Completion Countdown on for Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Galleries

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum reveals details on the last 12 galleries, providing a unique window into aviation history and the next era of flight exploration.

Amy Wilder

Thursday, February 01, 2024 at 02:41 PM ET

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An artist's rendering depicts the new National Science Foundation Discovering Our Universe gallery featuring lenses at center to augment the starry sky and the Bruce Telescope at rear. [Courtesy: Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum]

Key Takeaways:

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum has revealed details for the final phase of its extensive renovation, including names and anticipated opening timelines for the last 12 galleries.
This phase will begin with the debut of galleries like "Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall" in spring 2025, with the goal of opening most remaining spaces by July 2026 to coincide with the museum's 50th anniversary.
The comprehensive renovation involves redesigning all 20 exhibition spaces, an exterior facade update, and the replacement of outdated mechanical systems, building upon the first phase which opened in October 2022.

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The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has lifted the curtain on the final phase of its extensive renovation, sharing details on the last 12 galleries’ names and anticipated opening timeline in Washington, D.C.

Scheduled to debut in spring 2025, the “Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall” and “Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight” galleries will inaugurate this pivotal chapter in the museum’s overhaul. Coupled with the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater and the museum entrance on Jefferson Drive, these openings represent a crucial step toward completing the comprehensive renovation, with additional galleries expected to follow suit in a phased approach. The museum aims to welcome visitors to most remaining galleries and public spaces by its 50th anniversary in July 2026, aligning with the United States Semiquincentennial.