About the Renovation Project
The transformation focuses on three main areas:
- architectural enhancements to the Museum’s interior
- constructing a state-of-the-art gallery for the Star-Spangled Banner, and
- updating the 42-year-old building’s infrastructure (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, lighting, fire and security systems).
The architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) of New York and Turner Construction are responsible for the overall design and construction. New York-based design firm Chermayeff & Geismar Inc. will work with SOM on the new permanent gallery for the Star-Spangled Banner.
The renovation will dramatically transform the Museum and create new ways to present the objects of our nation's past. New and improved features will include:
- a central atrium with a skylight that will dramatically open the building
- a grand staircase connecting the Museum’s first and second floors
- 10-foot-high artifact walls on both the first and second floors showcasing the breadth of the Museum’s 3 million objects
- a welcome center on the second floor to improve visitor orientation
- a new exhibition gallery for the Museum’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation
- a new lobby for the 275-seat Carmichael Auditorium, and
- new retail operations.
Other work includes: replacing and relocating public and staff elevators; creating several new restrooms, including four family restrooms; replacing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; upgrading fire and alarm systems; improving electrical systems; and improving security.
Information During Renovation
Updates about the Museum’s renovation will be posted on this Web page, and the public may subscribe to a free monthly e-mail newsletter to receive information on traveling exhibitions, public programs and plans for re-opening. Visitors may also contact Smithsonian Visitor Information by calling (202) 633-1000, (202) 357-1729 (TTY) or via email at info@si.edu.
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