American History Museum Begins Renovations

The west wing of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is about to undergo an extensive $37 million renovation. The plans will add new exhibition galleries, an education center, a new music hall, performance stages and public plazas. A new panoramic window on the first floor will give a magnificent view of the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian's new National Museum of African American History and Culture.

During construction, the museum remains open and visitors will continue to see transportation, military, numismatic and political history exhibitions, as well as the Star-Spangled Banner, the First Ladies Collection and the most recent exhibition, "American Stories," showcases more than 100 historic objects from the museum's vast holdings. Read more about the Smithsonian Museums.