February 8, 2008
National Museum of American History Pushes Back Opening to the Fall
As you know, the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History has been closed down for extensive renovations since Sept. 2006. Though originally slated to open this summer, The AP via WJLA reported yesterday that the museum won't be opening until at least the fall.
That doesn't seem too much longer to wait for what should be some welcome improvements to the venue. The blue ribbon commission, whose report preceded the renovation, as well as a complete redesign of the museum's approach to exhibits and subject matter, criticized the layout, saying it had too many walls blocking visitors' line-of-sight, making it difficult to orient oneself. In response, a large skylight is being constructed in the atrium, as well as a "grand staircase," allowing open views of a significant part of the museum.
The building's entire infrastructure is being upgraded -- electrical, heating, ventilation, and alarm systems. Much of this will allow the American History Museum to upgrade their displays technologically, including the environmentally controlled chamber for the Star-Spangled Banner.
Visitors can still see many of the museum's exhibits temporarily housed at the Air & Space Museum and the Smithsonian Castle.
Image of the future museum atrium courtesy NMAH's web site
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Eff that noise. That was by far the best museum of the bunch; if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I just hope they don't remove too many of the dusty old artifacts, and replace them with infotainment-style interactive displays. If the shipmodels in the Maritime Gallery are gone when it reopens, I'll probably cry.
I just hope they don't remove too many of the dusty old artifacts, and replace them with infotainment-style interactive displays. If the shipmodels in the Maritime Gallery are gone when it reopens, I'll probably cry.
there were displays in there that needed serious help, so i'm glad this is happening.
but if you think that a large, government project like this is going to come close to being done anywhere near on time, you're kidding yourself.
this'll be like the capitol visitor center.
delayed.
delayed.
delayed.
delayed.
Didn't the Portrait Gallery/Amer. Art Museum follow its projected timetable pretty closely?
No way the American History Museum comes close to emulating the $600 million colossal waste that is the Cap Visitor's Center. That one will stand alone in DC lore for quite some time.
"Didn't the Portrait Gallery/Amer. Art Museum follow its projected timetable pretty closely?"
I think it was delayed for a year or so.
the nmah was horrible. dark, cluttered. not at all like really fantastic history museums that have opened up recently. and a lot of those exhibits are 30 years old (if not more). i hated going in there. this project is really going to be outstanding. really update the museum and make it a gathering spot. it won't be as cool as the nmnh but it will be very strong. and much easier to get around in.
"Didn't the Portrait Gallery/Amer. Art Museum follow its projected timetable pretty closely?"
I think it was delayed for a year or so.
More like 3 or 4.
I think the dubious winner in long-term federal building projects remains what would become the Ronald Reagan Building and International Center: Authorized by an Act of Congress in 1987, construction started in 1990 and finally dedicated in 1998.
Heck, The Pentagon was completed in around three years.
More like a year and change. Nothing like military efficiency (and an ongoing world war) to drive a building project.