One of America’s favorite museums, the National Museum of American History, reopened last month featuring new décor and exciting exhibits.
The museum had been closed for almost two years, and after $85 million worth of renovations, the museum is completely transformed. The new architecture is sure to impress, boasting of a five-story sky-lit atrium, grand staircase, and updates to the infrastructure. With brand new displays that better feature the museum’s over three million objects and a new gallery for the Star Spangled Banner that is climate controlled to evoke the “dawn’s early light,” the museum is now state of the art.
Brent D. Glass, director of the museum, commented on the importance of the museum and it’s updates when he said, “For people of all ages, a visit to the National Museum of American History can be a defining event – providing a deep and fundamental understanding of what it has meant to be an American.”
The new exhibits featuring the Star-Spangled Banner and the Gettysburg Address will bring excitement to anyone. The Star-Spangled Banner exhibit features a 40 by 19 foot abstract representation of the flag above the entrance. A new enclosure, with a 45-foot-long glass wall, protects the flag with special lighting to make the most of viewing and visibility. The 30 by 34 foot banner are featured as well as pieces of Francis Scott Key’s poem. The room is sure to bring back a sense of respect for our flag. The Gettysburg Address also makes a trip to the museum well worth it. The document, which is the last known copy to have been written in Lincoln’s hand is usually housed at the White House in the Lincoln Bedroom. It has been moved to the museum until Jan. 4, in order to give the public a chance to view this historic document.
So if you are looking to re-spark a historical flame in your life, enjoy the patriotism of the newly renovated National Museum of American History. “Millions of visitors will enjoy new opportunities to explore the American narrative and the core stories of our national experience in an inspiring and memorable setting,” said Glass.
National Museum of American History
14th Street and Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20560
202-357-2700
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