Revitalization and Sustainability

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a monumental multi-year renovation. During the seven-year project, all 23 exhibition and presentation spaces will be reimagined. The first phase of the renovation is complete, and eight galleries in the west end of the building will open Oct. 14, 2022. The entire project is expected to be completed in 2025.

Renovation highlights:

• In total, 1,557 artifacts were moved during the renovation of the west end of the building.
• The building systems were reengineered with a target of achieving LEED Gold Certification.
• Over 12,000 stones will be replaced throughout the entire seven-year renovation. The Tennessee Pink Marble stone is being replaced with Colonial Rose, a durable granite.
• Eight reimagined galleries, the planetarium, museum store(s) and the new Mars Café will open to the public Oct. 14, 2022.

Conservation highlights:

• HVAC Systems: The new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems provide an ideal and tightly controlled museum environment aimed at preserving the museum’s collections. The HVAC system is programmed to provide accurate conditions throughout the day and adjusts settings throughout the year according to seasonal variations. This refined level of programming and control will provide ideal conditions for the artifacts while saving approximately 20% on energy costs. The new system also provides a better dust and germ filtration.
• Window and Skylight Glazings: New windows and skylights provide better thermal insulation, humidity control and are tinted to lower the amount of harmful sunlight on the artifacts. The east-, south- and west-facing windows are now fitted with sun-blocking shades to protect the collection from light damage. The skylight shades are adjustable to reflect seasonal changes. 
• Lighting: The lighting throughout the entire building has been converted to LED fixtures that provide accurate control and variable color renditions. LED fixtures emit less heat and are less harmful to collections. The conversion to LED lighting is also anticipated to save 17% in energy costs.
• Environmental “Envelope”: The museum is now better sealed and better insulated to save on energy while also doing a better job protecting the collection. The addition of the vestibule on the north side and the expansion of the visitor entry space at the south entrance help create an “envelope” by providing a buffer that protects the museum’s interior from temperature and humidity swings and limits dust migration.
• Terrazzo Floors: The new terrazzo floors minimize dust accumulation on artifacts.

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SI-320-2022