National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC opens five new galleries after extensive renovation

The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, will complete another major step in its comprehensive renovation on July 28, 2025: Five brand-new galleries will open their doors to the public. This will make thousands of exhibits, including numerous fan favorites and iconic testimonies to aviation and space history, accessible again.

This reopening is part of a major modernization of the entire museum, which began in 2018 and is scheduled to be fully completed in time for the museum's 50th anniversary on July 1, 2026. Visitors can look forward to interactive insights into the history of flight, from its beginnings to future visions of space exploration.

Insights into the history of aviation and space travel: From the sound barrier to the moon

The three historical galleries, which will reopen in July 2025, invite visitors on an interactive journey through the history of aviation. “Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall”the Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight and the “World War I: The Birth of Military Aviation” present outstanding milestones and iconic objects that have significantly shaped the development of aerospace:

• The Bell X-1: This legendary rocket plane, in which Chuck Yeager became the first person to break the sound barrier in 1947, symbolizes the beginning of the supersonic era and the constant search for new frontiers in aviation. Yeager's historic flight opened the door to the development of faster aircraft and revolutionized the understanding of aerodynamics.
• The Spirit of St. Louis: Charles Lindbergh's single-engine plane, in which he became the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1927, embodies the pioneering spirit and determination of early aviation. This transatlantic flight was a global event and catapulted Lindbergh to the rank of hero.
• An Apollo lunar module: A testament to humanity's conquest of space, this exhibit offers a glimpse into the technologies that allowed humanity to walk on the moon. It represents one of the greatest triumphs of engineering and human exploration.

Particularly fascinating are the insights into the 1920s and 1930s, often referred to as the "golden age of flight." This period saw enormous advances in aircraft design, long-distance flights, and the establishment of commercial air travel. Visitors can learn about the stories of pioneers like Bessie Coleman, an African-American aviation pioneer who was the first African-American woman to receive a pilot's license and who broke numerous barriers in aviation. Models of the first rocket tests by Robert Goddard, whose groundbreaking work laid the foundations for modern rocketry and space travel, are also on display.

Going even further back in time, original aircraft from the First World War take visitors on a journey. These exhibits document the rapid transition from simple aircraft originally used for reconnaissance to their use in combat. The First World War was a catalyst for the development of military aviation, leading to innovations in aircraft design, weapons integration, and tactical deployment.

Looking to the future: space exploration and technological innovation

While some of the new galleries explore the rich history of aviation, the other two reopened galleries look far ahead:

• “Futures in Space”: This gallery explores central themes of modern times, such as the exploration of space by humans. It addresses questions of future space exploration, the colonization of other celestial bodies, and the long-term presence of humans in the cosmos. It explores concepts for future spacecraft, possible habitats in space, and the challenges and opportunities of space exploration.
• Allan and Shelley Holt Innovations Gallery: This gallery uses satellite models, drones, and a converted NASA research aircraft to demonstrate how aerospace engineering contributes to understanding various scientific concepts.

The Lockheed Martin IMAX TheaterThis cinema allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of aerospace and experience impressive documentaries on a giant screen.

Progress of the major renovation and 50th anniversary

The reopening of these five galleries marks another milestone in the comprehensive and long-term renovation of the National Air and Space Museum, one of the most visited museums in the world. The major renovation of the entire museum, located directly on the National Mall in Washington, DC, began in 2018. Eight of the 2022 galleries will reopen to visitors in 20.

The gradual reopening of the galleries will allow the museum to continue to present parts of its collection to visitors during the renovation work. The renovation is scheduled for full completion on July 1, 2026, in time for the museum's 50th anniversary. This anniversary is expected to be marked with further celebrations and special exhibitions honoring the museum's history and significance. The modernization is intended to ensure that the museum remains a leading center for the presentation and communication of aerospace history for decades to come.

The world's largest aviation museum: Two complexes, free admission

The National Air and Space Museum houses the world's largest collection dedicated to humankind's conquest of the skies. It consists of two museum complexes, each with a different focus and housing a wide range of exhibits:

• The National Air and Space Museum in the heart of Washington, DC: This central location on the National Mall is known for its iconic exhibits and accessibility to millions of tourists. The current renovation focuses on this location.
• The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia: Located near Washington Dulles International Airport, this center houses larger aircraft and spacecraft that would not fit in the city center, including the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Enola Gay.

Both museums are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 17:30 p.m. Admission is generally free, allowing access to these important educational institutions for a broad audience. However, due to high visitor volume, time-limited tickets must be reserved online in advance to visit the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. This helps manage visitor flow and ensure a pleasant museum experience.

The Capital Region USA, which includes Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, is the historic heart of the United States of America. It offers a wealth of attractions, from the monumental memorials in Washington, DC, to the impressive mountain landscapes of Virginia and the scenic waterways of Maryland. The region attracts millions of visitors with its rich history, diverse natural resources, and cultural offerings. The National Air and Space Museum is a standout attraction, highlighting the technological and human achievements that have changed the world.