Last October, I watched eager visitors enter the newly reopened Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum again. Director Christopher Browne personally opened the doors and welcomed the first visitors back into the coolest museum on the National Mall.
If you haven’t been yet, here are the best five exhibits for families to experience:
1. The Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Aerial Age
The first exhibition as you enter is the first powered airplane which began it all. The original Wright Flyer centers this exhibit, surrounded by objects and graphics telling the Wright Brothers’ story.
2. Destination Moon.
Apollo 11 justifiably dominates this exhibit. It’s a story of adventure and exploration culminating in man landing on the moon. Along with the Columbia command module, iconic objects and images bring this story to life.
3. Nation of Speed.
A showcase of America’s obsession with the fastest objects on land, sea, air, and space. Highlighting race cars, rocket engines, motorcycles, space re-entry vehicles, and Reno air races together in one exhibit.
4. Early Flight.
Somehow, the museum curators bring a colorful exhibit out of a black and white era. Multiple early airplanes center the space with colorful interactives around the edges. The video graphics keep your attention just long enough that you end up exploring the whole exhibit.
But the exhibit entrance is hidden behind the stairs to the second floor, so you have to seek it out.
5. Bathrooms.
Kids have asked for years how people did their business in space. The newly renovated bathrooms include the answers you’re looking for. By highlighting bathroom facilities in air and space alike, these necessary spaces become entertaining and educational.
Kudos to the curators of the newly renovated museum for a job well done. A must visit on your list of what to see in Washington DC.
The National Air and Space Museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Free timed passes are required. Learn more on their website.
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