National Air and Space Museum Set to Reveal New Galleries This Summer
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| Apollo Lunar Module and Friendship 7 Among Space Icons Set for Display at Smithsonian's Reopening on July 28, 2025 – Image Credit: Smithsonian/Mark Avino |
The Smithsonian Institution is reaching a major milestone in its seven-year renovation of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. On July 28, 2025, five more reimagined galleries will open to the public, bringing a fresh look and exciting artifacts to one of the world's most visited museums.
A New Chapter in Space and Aviation History
The newly redesigned Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall will greet visitors entering through the modernized Jefferson Drive entrance along the National Mall. This signature gallery celebrates the most iconic moments in aerospace history with awe-inspiring displays including:
- Friendship 7, the Mercury spacecraft piloted by John Glenn
- A replica of Apollo 11’s "Eagle" lunar module
- The North American X-15 rocket plane
- Gemini 4, from which Ed White performed the first American spacewalk
- A moon rock visitors can touch — always a crowd favorite
Looking Ahead: Futures in Space
Just next door, the Futures in Space gallery explores the future of human space exploration. This new exhibit confronts powerful questions such as “Who decides who goes to space?” and “Why do we go?”
Highlights include:
- A Virgin Galactic RocketMotorTwo engine used in a 2018 suborbital flight
- A SpaceX Falcon 9 grid fin used in a successful rocket landing
- A mockup of Blue Origin’s New Shepard capsule, with plans to display a flown model in the future
These exhibits underscore the transition from past glories to the future possibilities of commercial spaceflight.
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| Flown SpaceX Falcon 9 Grid Fin to Be Featured in "Futures in Space" Gallery Opening July 28, 2025 – Image Credit: Smithsonian/Mark Avino |
More Galleries Returning to Flight
Also reopening on July 28:
- Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight – honoring early aviation heroes
- World War I: The Birth of Military Aviation
- Allan and Shelley Holt Innovations Gallery – showcasing cutting-edge aerospace technology
- Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater – offering an immersive cinematic experience
Each gallery brings back fan favorites while introducing modern storytelling and updated exhibits.
What’s Next in 2026?
The final eight galleries are scheduled to debut on July 1, 2026, just in time for the museum’s 50th anniversary and the United States’ 250th birthday. Among the upcoming highlights:
- At Home in Space – an interactive exploration of how astronauts live and work off Earth
- RTX Living in the Space Age Hall – connecting space innovations to everyday life
- NSF Discovering Our Universe – a journey through cosmic discovery and astronomical tools
Also set to open:
- Textron How Things Fly
- Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air
- Modern Military Aviation
- Flight and the Arts Center
Artist’s Rendering of “Futures in Space” Gallery Opening July 28, 2025, at the National Air and Space Museum – Image Credit: Smithsonian
Plan Your Visit
The museum requires free timed-entry passes for all visitors. Passes for the July 28 opening and beyond will be available starting June 13 on the National Air and Space Museum’s website.
Why This Matters
This extensive renovation doesn’t just preserve history — it propels us into the future. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a space lover, or a curious traveler, the revitalized National Air and Space Museum offers an unforgettable journey through past achievements and future dreams.
Are you planning to visit the new galleries this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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