The museum has raised almost $250 million of a new $285 million goal for private donations. The federal government has provided $779 million - about 10 percent more than its initial $700 million pledge - for the repairs to the building, including the replacement of mechanical systems and its marble exterior and upgrades to its interior spaces and entrances. (Nonetheless, the museum had to close March 28 to shift the work from the western side to the east.)
Construction on Air and Space - a massive building that stretches along Independence Avenue from 4th to 7th streets SW - began in 2018 and was planned in phases to keep the popular museum partially open. The renovation is the most expensive capital project ever undertaken by the Smithsonian and almost double what it cost to build the $540 million National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016. In the "One World Connected" gallery, a replica of the space station's cupola offers visitors a view of space from an astronaut's perspective. Next to Knievel's motorcycle, for example, is a pinball game that helps visitors understand the physics behind daredevil's stunts. Interactive exhibitions and videos have been added for a more modern experience. The gallery includes Mario Andretti's Indy 500 racecar, Erin Sills's BMW land speed record motorcycle and Robert Craig "Evel" Knievel's motorcycle. "In 'Nation of Speed,' we talk about how the quest to go faster, whether in an aircraft, spaceship, motorcycle or car, has informed the American experience," Browne said. One gallery explores the county's fascination with speed. New artifacts expand the focus beyond aviation and space exploration. "We know the stories we tell resonate, and we know seeing is believing." "Our north star, if you will, in designing the experience was we want every visitor to see him or herself in the exhibition," Browne said. In addition to Jacqueline Cochran's sound barrier-busting T-38, the museum will exhibit an aircraft built by Neal Loving, who in 1951 became the first African American licensed as a racing pilot. New exhibitions will tell more stories of women and people of color. The Loving WR-3 aircraft hangs in front of Eric Sloane’s “Earth Flight Environment Mural.” (Jim Preston/Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum)
We are not only continuing that tradition but advancing it to a broader and wider audience." It has been a place of inspiration and excitement for countless folks and for generations. It is our hope folks will find it a new and engaging and contemporary experience," Museum Director Christopher Browne said.
"We're not just reopening the same galleries. They will encounter new artifacts alongside old favorites such as the Wright Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module, both showcased in new exhibits. Eight of its 23 galleries, an upgraded planetarium, store and café will welcome visitors for the first time since construction closed the building six months ago. The reopening of almost half of the popular museum marks the end of the first phase in its seven-year, $1 billion makeover. WASHINGTON - An X-wing starfighter from "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" will be among the hundreds of new objects - including the plane flown by the first woman to break the sound barrier and a Saturn test engine similar to those used to launch Apollo astronauts to the moon - on display at the National Air and Space Museum when it reopens Oct.
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