Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History
Facilities Master Plan Update

The National Museum of American History is the nation’s primary exhibition and research center for exploring, celebrating, and telling the American story. Opened in 1964, the six-level building sited on the National Mall is characterized by its strong Modernist style of new Formalism.

Our Master Plan for the renewal and renovation of the building and landscape provides a long-term, phased plan to enhance visitor engagement and access to the Museum’s collections, while addressing security, accessibility, sustainability, and resiliency. It integrates a thematically rich landscape with the building, extending the visitor experience over the entire site. New entry screening, wayfinding, and orientation guide visitors to the Museum’s central Flag Hall and to more opportunities for engagement with collections. Workplace environments for more than 500 staff are transformed, creating collaborative settings for scholarship, conservation, and research.