Renovations

At work, I'm in charge of redoing a space at the museum that was a public library, and turning it into a family activity space. We've been working on it for a bit over a year now, trying to figure out exactly how to do that. Now, it's a construction zone and plans are well underway. We'll re-open in September, and it's rather exciting now as we're starting to see the tangible results of the long and complicated, and often contentious, process. Here are some picks from our imminent shut-down, and our current hard-hat zone. Hopefully I'll get some up soon about testing the new activity prototypes.


My friend Tanya took the top one, the rest are mine. This is the back of the space, where the book stacks had been, and where indigenous dwellings will go. It also has unparalleled views of the U.S. Capitol and dramatic tall windows.



We're expanding the entry, by removing the collections cases. This area will be much more open and welcoming. In this space, you'll collect your passport for traveling through the space and visiting indigenous nations. Down this amazing corridor, looking out into our beautiful landscape and onto the National Mall, you'll explore indigenous sciences through connections to the environment and modes of transportation.



What was the staff office will now be the music room. Below, more staff offices, and now they're becoming the story room. This space will have webcasting equipment too so that we can broadcast our programs live.



View from the back towards the front, along that transportation hallway. Below, the old classroom was dark and dreary -- I truly hated that space. Now, it's bright and airy, and will host visiting, resident artist demonstrators, and make-and-take family activities.



Finally, our public "block" so that visitors don't enter the construction zone.

If you're interested, we're just starting an activity center mailing list. And, we're starting to blog about the space on the NMAI website too. First one is tomorrow--check it out!

NMAI Blog