Renovation of National Museum of American History Building Centers on Star-Spangled Banner

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History announced plans on April 12, 2006 for a major architectural transformation to focus on three 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.)

To prepare for the transformation, the museum will begin closing some of its exhibition galleries this spring and summer, and the full museum will close to the public as of September 5. (Labor Day, September 4, will be the last day to visit the museum.) Construction will begin in the fall of 2006 and the museum is scheduled to reopen by summer 2008.

Learn more about the renovation plans