Up, Up & Away: The National Air and Space Museum to Fully Reopen with New Exhibits, July 2026 in Washington DC

Visiting Washington, D.C.? Make the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum a must-see stopon your itinerary — especially if you’re passionate about aircraft, space exploration, and the incredible stories of human innovation. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning explorer, 2026 brings brand-new reasons to rediscover this iconic museum.

A Museum in Transformation

After several years of renovations, the National Air and Space Museum is coming into its glorious next chapter in 2026. The flagship building on the National Mall has been undergoing a massive redesign — reimagining 20 galleries and exhibition spaces with modern layouts, interactive experiences, and hundreds of restored and newly displayed artifacts.

Most of the museum will be open in time for the summer of 2026, coinciding with both the museum’s 50th anniversary and the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations — making this year an extra special time to visit.

What’s Opening in 2026

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the newly opened galleries and features you’ll want to experience:

July 1, 2026 — Major Gallery Openings

Expect the museum to unveil eight newly renovated galleries, including:

• At Home in Space – An immersive space exploration gallery bringing the story of living and working beyond Earth to life.

• RTX Living in the Space Age Hall – How space tech has shaped life on Earth and the future of exploration.

• National Science Foundation Discovering Our Universe – A cosmic walk through astronomy’s past and future.

• Textron How Things Fly & Modern Military Aviation – Hands-on looks at flight principles and aerial history.

• Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air – Historic aircraft and stories from one of aviation’s most pivotal eras.

Combined with galleries that reopened in previous phases (like Boeing Milestones of Flight and World War I: The Birth of Military Aviation), this is shaping up to be one of the most complete Air & Space experiences ever offered.

Legendary Artifacts & Fresh Perspectives

Iconic artifacts are being restored and displayed throughout the museum — from classic aircraft like the Spirit of St. Louis to space-faring milestones like John Glenn’s Friendship 7 capsule and interactive exhibits showcasing innovators of flight.

And for space enthusiasts, the museum’s framing of NASA’s historic and future missions (including how Artemis missions are shaping lunar exploration) adds an exciting contemporary edge to the collection — especially during this big anniversary year.

More Than Exhibits: Relax & Explore

The museum’s Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater, reopened in 2025 as part of the phased rollout, brings stunning space and aviation films to life on the big screen — a perfect break after exploring galleries.

Planning Your Visit

Hours: Daily, typically 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25)

Admission: Free! But timed-entry passes are required and can sell out, especially during peak seasons.

Location: On the National Mall — between Independence Ave and Jefferson Drive, SW, Washington, D.C.

Final Thoughts

With fresh galleries, fresh stories, and fresh excitement in the air (and space!), 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best years ever to explore the National Air and Space Museum. Whether you’re diving into aviation history, geeking out on lunar missions, or just soaking in the awe of human achievement — this Smithsonian treasure is launching into a new era you won’t want to miss.