The National Museum of American History, which explores the social, political, cultural, scientific and military history of the United States, reopens this fall after a two-year renovation of its central core. The building is being spectacularly transformed and will include a central skylight atrium, a grand staircase, a new exhibition hall for the museum's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, unique floor-to-ceiling glass walls for better display of some of the museum's more than 3 million artifacts, and a state-of-the-art gallery for the 195-year-old Star-Spangled Banner.
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During the renovation, a selection of American History's artifacts and many visitor favorites are on view in Gallery 211 at the National Air and Space Museum. Featuring an engaging mix of the famous, the familiar and the unexpected—Kermit the Frog, Lincoln's top hat, the Lewis and Clark compass, Custer's jacket, the Greensboro lunch counter, Thomas Jefferson's Bible and Edison's light bulb—these select objects convey the museum's mission to document the American experience.
Download podcasts, explore the museum's collections, get updates on our renovation and find other activities at americanhistory.si.edu. Check out the online exhibitions, including these favories: "The Price of Freedom: Americans at War," and "Bon Appetit: Julia Child's Kitchen,"
While the museum is closed for renovation, a special exhibition of its highlights will be on view at the Air and Space Museum on the Mall and docents are available to explain the objects on view.
For details, see Air and Space Museum on the Mall
Explore our museum floor plans before you go so you can make the most of your time when you arrive.
