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Iconic museum goes to new heights

October 19, 2022 By Emma Quedzuweit

There really is something for everyone at the newly renovated Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which opened its first phase to the public on October 14.

  • Early morning view of the Delta Solar Sculpture and new fountain at the southeast corner of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jim Preston, courtesy of the Smithsonian.
  • Destination Moon Gallery 206 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Photo by Mark Avino, courtesy of the Smithsonian.
  • The east entrance to the new Thomas W. Haas ‘We All Fly’ gallery at of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jim Preston, courtesy of the Smithsonian.
  • Views of the completed ‘Nation of Speed’ gallery in the west wing of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jim Preston, courtesy of the Smithsonian.
  • Views of the transformed and revitalized ‘Early Flight’ gallery in the west end of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jim Preston, courtesy of the Smithsonian.
  • Gallery preview photography of the of the new ‘One World Connected‘ gallery at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jim Preston, courtesy of the Smithsonian.
  • Early morning views of Gallery 104 with Patty Wagstaff’s Extra 260 and the Northrop T-38 Talon at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jim Preston, courtesy of the Smithsonian.
  • The rovers in a new display case at the Kenneth C. Griffin ‘Exploring the Planets’ gallery at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jim Preston, courtesy of the Smithsonian.
  • Wide view from the balcony overlooking the ’America by Air‘ gallery showing the new signage hanging by each aircraft at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jim Preston, courtesy of the Smithsonian.
  • The pressure suit worn by Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard and the Mercury MR-3 Capsule in their new protective cases in the ‘Destination Moon’ gallery at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jim Preston, courtesy of the Smithsonian.
  • The Star Wars X-Wing full-scale fighter prop hanging in Zone 3 over the escalators and the new store and Albert Einstein Planetarium ticket counter at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jim Preston, courtesy of the Smithsonian.
  • The Apollo 11 Command Module in the “Destination Moon” gallery at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jim Preston, courtesy of the Smithsonian.
  • Images of the 1903 Wright Flyer in the ‘Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Aerial Age’ gallery at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Photo by Jim Preston, courtesy of the Smithsonian.

Part of a $250 million renovation that began in 2018, the exhibits make ingenious use of space to include a staggering number of artifacts, more than half of which are on display for the first time. In addition to the eight new exhibits and a new logo, the museum also unveiled a refreshed brand identity centered around the four pillars of celebration, inspiration, inclusivity, and approachability—using extensive research to bring to light individuals, groups, and inventions that have often fallen by the historical wayside. “We’re really in the business of telling stories—telling people’s stories—and how they connect to the artifacts and the technologies we celebrate,” said Director Chris Browne.

True to this vision, the reimagined exhibits are delightfully interactive and immersive, with the artifacts contextualized to give easy-to-understand, hands-on learning. Numerous stations in each section include fun activities, sensory experiences, and engaging questions to immerse and connect visitors as much as possible.

Of particular interest to general aviation pilots is the Thomas W. Haas “We All Fly” exhibit, where you can enjoy activities like using a Pilatus PC–12 or Piper Super Cub to plan a medical transport or remote resupply flight, making decisions regarding wind, terrain, and environmental factors along the way. The detail-packed stations introduce the broad range of GA, from humanitarian aid to business, sport, conservation, public service, and more. Stop by the “Find a Career in Aviation” station to fly a variety of GA missions and find the right career for you. The more innovative-minded can visit the homebuilt station to check out a workbench, materials, and blueprints. Key artifacts on display include Charles and Anne Lindbergh’s flight suits and the Spirit of Columbus, the Cessna 180 that carried Jerrie Mock—the first woman to fly solo around the world—on her trip in 1964. In all, this exhibit is a great glimpse into what GA is all about, and it is sure to inspire generations to come.

Other highlights of the museum include touring the interior of a 1956 American Airlines DC–7 in the “America by Air” exhibit, looking through a replica of the International Space Station cupola to experience the sights and sounds of the ISS in “One World Connected,” or creating your own solar system in “Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets” in a hands-on experiment with the effects of gravity and orbits. In the “Early Flight” exhibit, try your skill at piloting early aircraft such as the Wright Flyer and Blériot XI monoplane, and meet the men and women who pioneered the first concepts of flight, all demonstrated by fascinating models and interactive technologies.

In “Nation of Speed,” press buttons to hear the sounds of each displayed automotive and aerospace engine that pushed humanity to new records and beyond, and in “Destination Moon” get up close to the Apollo 11 command module from the first moon landing while watching a moving multiscreen production of the tumultuous human milestones of the 1960s.

Each highly visual and sensory-immersive exhibit transports visitors through time and space. In the keystone of “Exploring the Planets,” step into a huge circular screen to experience new places in our solar system in a video-game-feeling experience of what it would be like to walk on these planets.

Visitors also can take in a show at the expansive new planetarium (after snapping a selfie with the X-wing from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hanging at the entrance) and browse the Disneyland-worthy museum shop and café.

The museum’s mission of being a hands-on source of inspiration and education for the next generation is clearly in focus throughout the facility. “We hope that each visitor will see themselves in these exhibitions,” said Browne, “and that young people will be inspired by all that is possible in aviation and space exploration.”

The new exhibits are open while the rest of the museum undergoes renovation, which is expected to be completed in 2025. Timed entry tickets are required and can be reserved for free online.

Emma Quedzuweit
Assistant Editor
Assistant Editor Emma Quedzuweit, who joined the AOPA publications staff in 2022, is a private pilot and historical researcher.
Go to Emma Quedzuweit's Profile
Topics: Travel, U.S. Travel

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