Nov 29 2007
The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is more than a year into major renovations of the center core of its building. The renovation is part of the museum's capital campaign to dramatically transform the museum's architectural appeal while reorganizing and renewing the presentation of its extensive collections.
Plans for the current $85 million renovation project are focused on three areas: architectural enhancements to the museum's center core, including a grand staircase and a skylight; the construction of a state-of-the-art gallery for the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the national anthem; and updates to the 43-year-old building's infrastructure. Funding for the renovation is made possible through a public-private partnership with $45.9 million in federal funds and the remaining $39.1 million from individuals, foundations and corporations.
"We are making great strides in transforming the National Museum of American History," said Brent D. Glass, director of the museum. "The central core demolition is nearly finished, the shell for the new Star-Spangled Banner gallery is taking shape, and we have raised the necessary funds to complete the construction. Visitors will be amazed at the results when we re-open."
An abstract flag, made of lightweight, reflective polycarbonate and approximately 40 feet wide by 19 feet, high will soar above the entrance to the new Star-Spangled Banner gallery and will become the focal point of the museum's National Mall entrance through which more than two-thirds of the museum's visitors enter. Visitors will experience the 30-by-34-foot wool and cotton Star-Spangled Banner in a new setting with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and lighting designed to evoke the "dawn's early light."
The architects have designed a central atrium with a new skylight to dramatically open the building, and a grand staircase will connect the museum's first and second floors. Extensive 10-foot-high "artifact walls" on both the first and second floors will showcase the breadth of the museum's 3 million-object collection, and a Welcome Center on the second floor will help orient visitors. On the first floor, an exhibition gallery for the museum's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation will present changing exhibitions, and there will be a new lobby and entrance for the 275-seat Carmichael Auditorium, as well as new retail operations.
The architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP of New York and Turner Construction are responsible for the overall planning, design and construction. New York-based design firm Chermayeff & Geismar Inc. is working with SOM on the new permanent gallery for the Star-Spangled Banner.
The museum is planning to announce a re-opening date in February 2008. Throughout the reopening year, the museum will present new exhibitions and programs with the highlight being a major new 8,000-square-foot permanent exhibition, "On the Water: Stories from Maritime America," which replaces the museum's 30-year-old Maritime Hall.