The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is expanding its Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.
The project will represent the first major construction and physical change to the centre’s public areas since its opening in 2003, the Smithsonian said in a statement.
The development involves adding more display space to the north end of the Boeing Aviation Hangar, increasing its size by 20 percent, or 44,000 square feet.
This will allow the museum to bring artefacts out of storage and showcase new acquisitions.
Construction is anticipated to finish at the end of 2028, when the museum will start to move objects into the new space.
“We are excited for this expansion of our world-class facility in Virginia,” said Chris Browne, the National Air and Space Museum’s director.
“Adding on to the Udvar-Hazy Center will allow us to offer even more to the public and will give us a chance to make major changes to the arrangement of artifacts in the entire center, enhancing the experience for our visitors.”
The project will also allow the museum to rearrange the current configuration of aircraft in the Boeing Aviation Hangar.
Museum to bring artefacts out of storage
Some of the items in the museum’s collection that are planned for display following the expansion include the Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress; and Flak-Bait, the Martin B-26 Marauder aircraft.
Others will include the restored Sikorsky JRS-1, a Pearl Harbor survivor; the De Havilland DH-98B Mosquito; and the Franklin “Texaco Eaglet”.
Opened in 2003, the Udvar-Hazy Center is now undergoing a $60 million campaign to secure funding for the expansion. It will remain open during construction.
Earlier this year, the National Air and Space Museum opened five new galleries, as well as a renovated Imax theatre and a redesigned entrance.
Images courtesy of the Smithsonian
