On July 28, 2025, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., will open five new galleries, the renovated Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater, and a redesigned entrance on Jefferson Drive along the National Mall. This milestone is part of a $1 billion renovation project, begun in 2018, set to conclude on July 1, 2026, marking the museum’s 50th anniversary and the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Chris Browne, John and Adrienne Mars Director, stated, “We are thrilled to open this next phase of exhibitions to the public. Reopening our main hall with so many iconic aerospace artifacts, as well as completely new exhibitions, will give visitors much more to see and enjoy”. The National Air and Space Museum galleries will showcase thousands of artifacts, blending historic and modern aerospace achievements.
New Galleries and Artifacts
The National Air and Space Museum galleries opening include:
- Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall, displaying John Glenn’s Mercury Friendship 7 capsule and Apollo Lunar Module 2.
- Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight, featuring the Spirit of St. Louis and Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Vega.
- World War I: The Birth of Military Aviation, showcasing the Sopwith F.1 Camel.
- Futures in Space, highlighting Virgin Galactic’s RocketMotorTwo and a Blue Origin New Shepard mockup.
- Allan and Shelley Holt Innovations Gallery, exploring aerospace and environmental impacts.
Returning artifacts include the North American X-15 and a touchable moon rock, while new additions like the Goddard 1935 A-series rocket enrich the National Air and Space Museum galleries’ narrative.
IMAX Theater and Entrance Upgrades
The Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater reopens with enhanced sound, picture quality, new seats, and an updated lobby. Visitors can enjoy 2D or 3D films with ticket pre-orders and select-a-seat options. The redesigned Jefferson Drive entrance at 600 Jefferson Dr. S.W. requires all visitors to enter via the north entrance, with exits on Independence Avenue or the National Mall. Free timed-entry passes are mandatory.
Renovation Background
The renovation, launched in 2018, redesigns all 20 National Air and Space Museum galleries, updates exterior cladding, and modernizes mechanical systems. Since the first phase opened in October 2022, nearly 5 million visitors have explored eight galleries, the planetarium, and Mars Café. The project’s final phase in 2026 will complete the transformation, aligning with significant anniversaries.
Visitor Information
Located between Fourth and Seventh streets S.W., the National Air and Space Museum galleries are open daily, except December 25, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but timed-entry passes are required. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, charges $15 for parking but not for admission.
