The first major construction project for the Air and Space Museum will start this summer.
The facts:
- This is the first major construction project for the building in Southwest Washington, DC, since its opening 41 years ago.
- Visitors will start seeing changes to the museum in summer 2018.
- The museum will remain open through the project by dividing the construction into two major phases.
- The project is scheduled to take seven years.
- All 23 galleries and presentation spaces will be transformed.
- The museum is raising $250 million through private donations to fund the future galleries.
- The project also includes the complete re-facing of the exterior stone, replacement of outdated mechanical systems, and other improvements supported by federal funding.
By the numbers:
- 13,000: stone slabs replaced
- 23: new galleries or presentation spaces
- $250 million: fundraising goal
- 1,441: newly displayed artifacts
- 7: years scheduled for completion
- 0: days closed for construction
The museum has released artist renderings highlighting the exciting changes to come. These renderings represent the first nine galleries scheduled for renovation. New galleries will be organized by theme, helping you find your favorite stories and make connections across eras.
All information and images courtesy of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.