The Smithsonian's July 2025 announcement described five galleries and the return of familiar spacecraft.
Dated news brief · July 22, 2025
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum announced that five renovated galleries would open on July 28, 2025, in Washington. The plans included its main entrance and IMAX theatre.
Returning objects included the Spirit of St. Louis, John Glenn's Friendship 7 capsule, a lunar module and the touchable Moon rock. New displays would include a Sopwith Camel and a commercial spacecraft capsule mock-up.
The reopening formed part of a renovation begun in 2018. Galleries explored early aviation and possible space futures. Free timed-entry passes were required during that phase.
Illustrative photograph, not an image of the specific event or discovery reported. Photo: Yoav Aziz / Unsplash.
Start with one object
Ask what problem a particular machine was built to solve. Compare two objects before moving on, rather than trying to see everything.
This is an archived reopening report. Check the museum's current visitor information before planning a trip; the dates and entry arrangements above describe July 2025.
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