Year
1976
The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC opened on July 1, 1976. The official ribbon-cutting began with a signal sent from the Viking 1 spacecraft approaching Mars. Relayed to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, the signal arrived at the Museum via ground lines. It activated a mechanical “arm,” causing the ribbon to split in two. At the ribbon cutting, President Gerald Ford called the Museum “a perfect birthday present from the American people to themselves.” The opening was one of the highlights of America’s Bicentennial Celebration.
Measurements
Gross Exterior: approx. 762,000 sq. ft. Gross Interior: approx. 681,000 sq. ft.
Location
600 Independence Ave., SW, Washingto, D.C. 20056