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4d ago

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum Unveils Five New Galleries in $900 Million Overhaul

The openings mark a key milestone in the renovation ahead of the museum’s 50th anniversary by blending historic flight artifacts with private-sector space exhibits.

The revamped Air and Space Museum debuts SpaceX Falcon 9 parts and a Mars habitat exhibit
a gumdrop-shape white space capsule is seen on display with other rocket hardware in a museum gallery with blue walls and flooring

Overview

  • On July 28 the museum reopened five galleries including the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall and the new Futures in Space gallery
  • Refurbished historical galleries now feature Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight, World War I: The Birth of Military Aviation and the Allan and Shelley Holt Innovations Gallery
  • Exhibits display a mix of historic artifacts and modern installations ranging from John Glenn’s Friendship 7 capsule to SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket segments and a 3D-printed Mars habitat
  • Visitors enter through a newly opened north entrance with a wing-shaped vestibule, upgraded lighting and digital screens
  • More than 6,000 guests used timed-entry passes on opening day as part of the phased access plan for the final renovation due by July 2026