The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History reopens its doors, providing a new look at the almost 200-year-old Star-Spangled Banner and a rare chance to see the White House copy of President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The museum is reopening after a two-year, $85 million renovation of the building's core, dramatically transforming the museum's architectural appeal and renewing the presentation of its extensive collections. The museum will unveil new exhibitions and programs throughout the reopening year.

"For people of all ages, a visit to the National Museum of American History can be a defining event -- providing a deep and fundamental understanding of what it has meant to be an American," said Brent D. Glass, director of the museum. "Millions of visitors will enjoy new opportunities to explore the American narrative and the core stories of our national experience in an inspiring and memorable setting."

Renovation of the Center Core

Visitors enter a dramatic five-story skylit atrium, surrounded by artifact displays filled with nearly 500 objects showcasing the breadth and depth of the museum's 3 million objects representing the cultural, social, technological and political history of the United States. An architectural representation of a waving flag frames the entrance to the Star-Spangled Banner Gallery. The gallery itself is a climate-controlled state-of-the-art chamber designed to evoke the "dawn's early light."

The renovation project focused on three areas: architectural enhancements to the center core, including a grand staircase and skylight; construction of the new Star-Spangled Banner Gallery; and updates to the 44-year-old building's infrastructure. The Nina and Ivan Selin Welcome Center on the second floor will help orient visitors as will six landmark objects located in the wings of each of the three exhibit floors. For example, the Vassar College telescope, circa 1865 and used by the first American female astronomer, will be on the west wing of the first floor, representing science and technology. In addition, that wing includes the Lemelson Hall of Invention and Spark!Lab, a hands-on science and invention center.

The Star-Spangled Banner

The Star-Spangled Banner returns to the heart of the museum in a dramatic new display that provides a contemplative setting for visitors. A 40-foot by 19-foot abstract representation of the flag -- 960 reflective tiles made of polycarborate material -- soars above the entrance and is the focal point of the second floor. The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation generously provided $2.5 million for its construction.

A special enclosure, fronted by a 35-foot floor-to-ceiling glass wall, protects the fragile wool and cotton flag while providing maximum visibility to visitors. The 30-foot by 34-foot banner is displayed at a horizontal orientation and, in order to reduce stress to the textile, at a 10-degree angle