The Smithsonian announces two new galleries opening at the National Air and Space Museum, marking the completion of the full renovation of its Washington, D.C., location.
The first gallery opening, “At Home in Space,” covers the Space Shuttle and International Space Station era of space exploration and opens in October. 30. It will be followed by the “Modern Military Aviation” gallery opening in November. 11, which covers military aviation since World War II.
At Home in Space, Opening on October 30, 2026. National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
An immersive, highly interactive exhibition, At Home in Space takes visitors on a 50+ year journey to learn how humans can live and work in space continuously and venture beyond Earth's orbit. At Home in Space presents the challenges and benefits of a permanent human presence in low Earth orbit. The knowledge gained from the Space Shuttle and Space Station programs informs where we go next and what we do there. The ability to launch, construct habitats, and conduct scientific and technical experiments changes how we live in space and on Earth. Exploring beyond low Earth orbit requires imagination and ingenuity for humanity's next giant leap. – We read on the airandspace.si.edu.
Modern Military Aviation gallery Opening on November 11, 2026. National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
The exhibition Modern Military Aviation will be anchored by the Museum’s unparalleled collection of military aviation artifacts, including the North American F-86 Saber, the Bell UH-1H “Huey,” and the General Atomics MQ-1L Predator. The new Modern Military Aviation gallery will be a modern, dynamic space that explores the people behind the technology. By leveraging engaging stories from the people behind the artifacts, the gallery will forge connections between visitors and the narrative story about modern military aviation.
The museum has been undergoing a multi-year renovation since 2018, which has included redesigning all 20 galleries, completely refacing the exterior cladding, replacing outdated mechanical systems, and other repairs and improvements.
