Smithsonian Air and Space Museum Reopens West Wing After $650M Renovation
On October 14, 2022, the west wing of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., will reopen after renovations that commenced in 2018. This extensive project, which encompasses restoration, renewal, and expansion, is projected to cost $650 million and will unfold over several years until the entire facility is finished. The revamped west wing includes a new planetarium, a museum store, Mars Café, and eight exhibitions, such as America by Air and Destination Moon. Notable artifacts include the Apollo 11 command module Columbia and Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit. Museum director Chris Browne described the reopening as "one of the most exciting moments in the history of the National Air and Space Museum."
Key facts
- Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum reopens west wing on October 14, 2022
- Renovations began in 2018
- Total project cost is $650 million
- West wing includes renovated planetarium, museum store, Mars Café
- Eight new exhibitions: 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
- Destination Moon features Apollo 11 command module Columbia and Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit
- Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery offers simulated solar system journey
- Planetarium will be connected with others across the US for 360-degree educational experience
Entities
Artists
- Neil Armstrong
Institutions
- Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
- Smithsonian Institution
- Artribune
Locations
- Washington
- United States