The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Air and SpaceFive new galleries, the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater, and the museum’s newly updated entrance on Jefferson Drive at the National Mall reopened on Sunday, July 28. This represents another significant step in the museum’s continuous renovation process, which will conclude with the opening of the remaining galleries on July 1, 2026, aligning with the museum’s 50th anniversary and the country’s 250th anniversary festivities.
We are excited to unveil this new stage of exhibitions to the public,” stated Chris Browne, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the National Air and Space Museum. “Reopening our main hall with numerous legendary aerospace items, along with entirely new displays, offers guests a lot more to explore and appreciate. We are approaching the conclusion of this long-term renovation, and we can’t wait to invite even more people into these updated and motivating spaces.
As part of the restart, new entry protocols started on July 28. All guests now access the site through the north entrance located on the National Mall (600 Jefferson Dr. S.W.), with exit options available through the south doors on Independence Avenue or the National Mall entrance. Free time-specific admission tickets are still necessary for entry and can be booked via the museum’s online platform.
Thousands of historical items have been reintroduced to the newly opened exhibition spaces, featuring beloved exhibits like the Spirit of St. Louis, the North American X-15, John Glenn’s Mercury Friendship 7 capsule, the Apollo Lunar Module 2, and the widely cherished touchable moon rock. Some items making their debut at the Washington location include the Sopwith F.1 Camel, Virgin Galactic’s RocketMotorTwo, a Blue Origin New Shepard crew capsule model, and a Goddard 1935 A-series rocket.
| Galleries opening July 28:• “Boeing’s Flight History Exhibit”• “Futures in Space”• “Barron Hilton: Pioneers of Flight”• “World War I: The Emergence of Airpower in Combat”•Allan and Shelley Holt Innovation Gallery |
The Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater, which has recently undergone renovations, now offers improved audio and visual performance, fresh seating arrangements, and a modernized theater lobby and waiting area. Visitors can experience both 2D and 3D Hollywood movies with the ability to pre-purchase tickets and choose their seats in advance.
The extensive renovation of the National Air and Space Museum started in 2018, involving a full update of all 20 exhibition halls, replacement of the building’s mechanical systems, exterior renovation, and the creation of a new entrance area. The first stage was launched in October 2022, featuring eight new exhibits, a planetarium, museum shop, and Mars Café. Since this opening, the museum has received almost 5 million guests.To find out more about the museum’s changes and see recent developments, go to the National Air and Space Museum’s website atairandspace.si.edu.
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is situated on Jefferson Drive between Fourth and Seventh streets S.W. and operates every day (excluding December 25) from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Entry is free, but visitors must obtain time-specific tickets. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, is also open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., offers free access without the need for timed-entry passes, and charges $15 for parking.
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