National Air and Space Museum could be grounded without new money: Smithsonian

The National Air and Space Museum is asking Congress for the largest investment of federal funding in Smithsonian history — and if Congress can’t deliver, America’s most popular museum might in time have to close its doors, Smithsonian officials told Congress Wednesday.

“The day could come where the National Air and Space Museum would have to be closed to the public — but that day isn’t today, that day isn’t tomorrow,” Smithsonian Institution Secretary David Skorton told the House Administration Committee on Wednesday.

The building’s original mechanical systems were designed to accommodate two million visitors annually. In its 40 years, the museum has hosted 326 million visitors — about 7 million per year — and these crucial systems have started to break down. The Air and Space Museum, which hosts such treasures as Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis and the command module for the Apollo 11 moon mission.

The 40-year-old museum needs $676 million in order to modernize failing building systems, replace worn-out exterior marble slabs, and revamp all 22 exhibits. The Smithsonian has committed to raise $250 million dollars from private sources, but said taxpayer money will be needed for a full revamping of the structure on the National Mall.

The Smithsonian’s proposed $922.2 million budget request for fiscal 2017 is $82 million more than the level approved by Congress for fiscal 2016, and has given some lawmakers pause.

Saying Congress has generously provided the needed funding in the past, Mr. Skorton said he expects this project to be funded like previous projects, with some Federal funding and some funding from public-private partnerships.

The Smithsonian will carry out the renovations in phases, in order to keep at least 50 percent of the museum open to the public at all times during the seven-year construction process. It will cost an additional $50 million to construct a module where artifacts can be safely stored.

Mr. Skorton explained that knocking the museum down and starting afresh would double the cost of the project — though this option has not been categorically rejected. As of now, design plans are 35 percent complete, and Mr. Skorton assured lawmakers that the current estimate is about 90 percent accurate.

Rep. Gregg Harper, Mississippi Republican, said the Smithsonian museums remain a major cultural asset for the country.

“We feel a personal responsibility to ensure the success of this valued institution,” Mr. Harper said. “The Smithsonian is truly one of the great treasures of this nation and the world.”