DC Metrocentric

The Smithsonian Museum of American History has been closed since September 2006 but come this November the Museum will once again be open to the public. The complete renovation is being handled by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and includes architectural enhancements to the Museum’s interior, construction of the Star-Spangled Banner gallery, and updating the 40 year old buildings infrastructure.

As you can see from this cool cross section rendering, the upgrades include a central atrium with a skylight that will dramatically open the building and a grand staircase connecting the Museum’s first and second floors. It’s been a long time coming, but looks to definitely be worth the wait. [Rendering: SOM]