Check-in
Remarks
Open house
Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
Independence Avenue and Sixth Street S.W.
Christopher Browne, John and Adrienne Mars Director, National Air and Space Museum
Curators of the eight new exhibitions
All media must RSVP to Alison Mitchell at mitchellac@si.edu or 202-633-2376 to attend the event.
Media that would like to cover the public opening Friday, Oct. 14, should also RSVP to make arrangements.
The National Air and Space Museum will reopen half of its flagship building to the public on the National Mall Friday, Oct. 14. Eight new and renovated exhibitions, the planetarium, museum store and Mars Café will open in the building’s west end. Highlights include “Destination Moon,” which will display the Apollo 11 command module for the first time in the building since 2015; Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 spacesuit; the “Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery,” which will feature an immersive experience called Walking on Other Worlds; and the “Thomas W. Haas We All Fly” exhibition, which will include the Challenger III and the Lear Jet 23. A full list of exhibitions is available.
The museum has been undergoing a seven-year renovation that began in 2018 and includes redesigning all 23 exhibitions and presentation spaces, complete refacing of the exterior cladding, replacement of outdated mechanical systems and other repairs and improvements. The renovation is expected to be completed in 2025.
Media are invited to preview the new galleries Thursday, Oct. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Following remarks, press will be able to tour the galleries on their own. Museum curators will be available at each exhibition for interviews.
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SI-299-2022
