Renovations at D.C.'s American History Museum
Smithsonian Unveils Complete Redesign and Restored Treasures
© Kat Long
Dec 31, 2008
After a massive renovation, which kept it closed to the public for more than two years, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History reopened in November 2008 with modernized architecture, state-of-the-art restorations of famous artifacts, and a brand new display of the Star-Spangled Banner.
The New Design
Before the renovation, the American History museum appeared to be in a holding pattern: portions of the famously eclectic collection of more than three millions objects were on display in themed installations, but the exhibits themselves felt static and old-fashioned. The building, designed in the late nineteen-fifties with unadorned straight lines and a dark marble interior, often seemed uninviting.
Today, the museum’s central axis is lit with skylights and its first two floors are connected with an ethereal glass staircase—a modern touch to an otherwise vintage building. Exhibition spaces have also been enlarged, and new visitor facilities added. A new visitor welcome center, ample space for music performances, exhibition galleries, and a large museum shop are on the first floor. The second and third floors are given to temporary and permanent exhibits, including the custom-built display for the original Star Spangled Banner on the second floor.
Old Artifacts, Newly Restored
The museum’s crowd-pleasing display of the gowns of the First Ladies has also been upgraded. The fabrics of many of the gowns had deteriorated over the years, but several are on display after full restorations, including Mamie Eisenhower’s bright red ball gown, Jacqueline Kennedy’s demure sheath by Oleg Cassini, and Mary Todd Lincoln’s impossibly small-waisted hoop skirt and bodice. In addition, numerous artifacts belonging to the First Ladies are newly on display, such as matching fans, hats, and shoes; paintings and writing desks; and intriguing examples of White House state china services designed by various Ladies.
Along with the museum, the Star Spangled Banner received a complete overhaul. The wool and cotton flag, which flew over Baltimore’s Fort McHenry during a British attack and inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the U.S. national anthem in 1814, had suffered from years of being hung lengthwise along the museum’s central atrium. Conservators replaced the linen backing with new cloth and repaired fraying. The museum also built a climate-controlled, sealed glass cube in which to display the enormous flag, as well as a semi-circular walkway for visitors, flanked by information about the flag’s history.
Tips for Visiting
The American History museum is one of the most popular institutions on Washington, D.C.’s National Mall. As a result, crowds coming to see Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz or Julia Child’s kitchen can be overwhelming. Plan to visit early in the day, on weekdays rather than weekends. The Museum is open from 10 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. daily, except December 25.
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