The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum reopened five new galleries, the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater, and the museum’s redesigned entrance on Jefferson Drive along the National Mall on Sunday, July 28. This marks another major milestone in the museum’s ongoing transformation, which will culminate with the opening of the remaining galleries on July 1, 2026, coinciding with the museum’s 50th anniversary and the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.
“We are thrilled to open this next phase of exhibitions to the public,” said Chris Browne, John and Adrienne Mars Director of the National Air and Space Museum. “Reopening our main hall with so many iconic aerospace artifacts, as well as completely new exhibitions, gives visitors much more to see and enjoy. We are nearing the end of this multi-year renovation project, and we look forward to welcoming many more people into these modernized and inspiring new spaces.”
As part of the reopening, new entrance procedures began July 28. All visitors now enter through the north entrance on the National Mall (600 Jefferson Dr. S.W.), with exits available via the south doors on Independence Avenue or the National Mall entrance. Free timed-entry passes are still required for entry and can be reserved through the museum’s website.
Thousands of artifacts returned to display in the newly reopened galleries, including favorites such as the Spirit of St. Louis, the North American X-15, John Glenn’s Mercury Friendship 7 capsule, Apollo Lunar Module 2, and the ever-popular touchable moon rock. Several artifacts new to the Washington location include the Sopwith F.1 Camel, Virgin Galactic’s RocketMotorTwo, a Blue Origin New Shepard crew capsule mockup, and a Goddard 1935 A-series rocket.
| Galleries opening July 28: • “Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall” • “Futures in Space” • “Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight” • “World War I: The Birth of Military Aviation” • Allan and Shelley Holt Innovations Gallery |
The newly renovated Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater now features enhanced sound and image quality, new seating, and an updated theater lobby and queuing area. Guests can enjoy both 2D and 3D Hollywood films with pre-order ticketing and seat selection options.
The comprehensive renovation of the National Air and Space Museum began in 2018 and includes a complete overhaul of all 20 exhibition galleries, replacement of the building’s mechanical systems, exterior refacing, and the addition of a new entry vestibule. The first phase debuted in October 2022, unveiling eight new exhibitions, the planetarium, museum store, and Mars Café. Since that initial opening, the museum has welcomed nearly 5 million visitors. To learn more about the museum’s transformation and view updates, visit the National Air and Space Museum website at airandspace.si.edu.
The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is located on Jefferson Drive between Fourth and Seventh streets S.W. and is 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, is also open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with free admission and no timed-entry passes required; parking is $15.
