Prepare for Liftoff! Five New Galleries Soar into View at the National Air and Space Museum This July

Get ready, aviation and space enthusiasts! The countdown has begun for an exciting new chapter at DC's beloved National Air and Space Museum. As part of its monumental $1 billion renovation, five new and revitalized galleries are set to open their doors on Monday, July 28th, offering fresh perspectives and iconic artifacts to explore.

This grand unveiling marks another significant milestone in the Smithsonian Institution's seven-year-long transformation of the aerospace museum on the National Mall. And the best part? Admission remains free, though you'll want to mark your calendars to reserve your timed-entry pass starting June 13th.

So, what wonders await you this summer? Let's take a sneak peek at the galleries ready to inspire:

• “Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall”: A true classic, this hall returns with a refreshed look, once again showcasing pivotal moments in flight history. Prepare to be awestruck by the Mercury Friendship 7, the very spacecraft that carried John Glenn into orbit as the first American astronaut to achieve this historic feat.

• “Futures in Space”: Look to the stars and beyond in this brand-new exhibit that delves into the exciting, and sometimes challenging, future of space exploration and tourism. It promises to spark engaging conversations with questions like, "who decides who gets to go to space?" And keep an eye out for exciting new additions, including RocketMotorTwo from Virgin Galactic!

• “Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight”: This beloved gallery is back with a fresh, renovated look while retaining its timeless appeal. You'll once again be able to marvel at legendary artifacts such as the Spirit of St. Louis and Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed 5B Vega, the aircraft she famously flew across the Atlantic.

• “World War I: The Birth of Military Aviation”: History buffs rejoice! This new gallery is a captivating exploration of how aircraft irrevocably changed warfare during the Great War. Prepare to see iconic Sopwith Camel battle planes on display, offering a tangible connection to this pivotal era.

• Allan and Shelley Holt Innovations Gallery: This dynamic new space includes the thought-provoking "Aerospace and Our Changing Environment" exhibit. Here, you'll discover how advancements in aircraft and spacecraft can contribute to crucial climate change mitigation efforts, highlighting the intersection of aerospace innovation and environmental responsibility.

Beyond the galleries, visitors will also be thrilled to hear that the Lockheed Martin IMAX theater will be reopening, along with a newly-renovated Mall entrance on Jefferson Drive, making your museum experience even more seamless.

This phase of openings is part of a massive undertaking that began in December 2018. The museum has been meticulously phasing in its exhibition re-openings, navigating temporary closures for construction and the Covid-19 pandemic. The first eight of its 20 gallery spaces successfully reopened in October 2022, and the museum has even more in store, with the last seven galleries set to reopen on July 1, 2026, just in time for the nation’s 250th celebrations.

And yes, some classic Air and Space Museum artifacts are making their triumphant return, including the Apollo Lunar Module 2 and a touchable moon rock, allowing you to connect with the cosmos in a truly unique way. Throughout this extensive overhaul, the museum is expecting to acquire an astounding 1,400 new artifacts, promising a continually evolving and enriching experience.

The National Air and Space Museum is conveniently located between Independence Avenue and Jefferson Drive, and between Fourth and Seventh streets, SW. It's open every day except December 25 from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Remember, admission is free, but securing your timed-entry pass is essential for your visit!

For more in-depth information on all the upcoming exhibits, including those eagerly anticipated for July 2026, be sure to visit the official National Air and Space Museum website. Get ready to embark on an incredible journey through the past, present, and future of flight and space exploration!