Travel+Leisure

8 incredible exhibits at the National Air and Space Museum

Check out the latest renovations at D.C.’s National Air and Space Museum, which include new displays, the planetarium, museum store and Mars Cafe.

 Independence Avenue and the surrounding area in Washington D.C. Photo by Hisham Ibrahim/Getty Images

September 15, 2022

|

2 Minute Read

One of the most popular Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., the National Air and Space Museum, reopened half of its main building in 2022, with eight new and renovated exhibitions, the planetarium, a museum store and Mars Café.

The flagship space located right on the National Mall is currently in the process of a seven-year renovation project that started in 2018 and will eventually see the redesign of all 23 of its exhibition spaces, as well as a new exterior and other internal upgrades and improvements. 

“This is one of the most exciting times in the National Air and Space Museum’s history,” Chris Brown, a director at the museum, said in a statement. “We hope all visitors are inspired by artifacts on display for the first time, favorite icons of aerospace presented in new ways and diverse storytelling.”

The exhibits are “America by Air,” “Destination Moon,” “Early Flight,” “Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery,” “Nation of Speed,” “One World Connected,” “Thomas W. Haas We All Fly” and “Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Aerial Age.” Among the new artifacts are Jackie Cochran’s T-38, which was the plane she flew as the first woman to break the sound barrier; the Sharp DR 90 Nemesis air racer, which was designed by Jon Sharp and made air-racing history; and the Aviation Specialties Unlimited Challenger III, which was Sean Tucker’s aerobatic biplane. 

“Star Wars” fans can see the X-Wing Starfighter that appeared in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” It’son loan from Lucasfilm and on display for the first time.

Some old favorites are now displayed in new ways. The Apollo 11 command module Columbia is in a climate-controlled case next to Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 spacesuit, and the Wright Flyer from 1903 is presented in a manner that better captures its story. There are also more interactive hands-on displays throughout the museum.

As with other Smithsonian museums, the National Air and Space Museum is free but requires timed-entry passes, which can be reserved. Each visitor can book up to six passes for a time slot. Tickets are released in six-week blocks.

© Meredith Operations Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission.