Architectural History of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 2000

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Summary

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is a modern architectural feat that was built as an annex to the Dulles International Airport. Construction began in 2000 in an effort to expand the National Air and Space Museum's displayable collections. Funds were donated to build the extension by philanthropist and CEO of Air Lease Corporation Steven F. Udvar. The center was designed by the architectural firm Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum; the same firm who designed the National Air and Space Museum. It currently has three hangars: The Boeing Aviation Hangar, the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar, and the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar, where visitors can watch conservators restore air and space craft. The center also includes a 164 foot high observation tower, a 479-seat IMAX theater, classrooms and lecture rooms, an archives, and staff offices.

Subject

  • McDonnell, James S 1899-1980
  • Udvar-Hazy, Steven 1946-
  • Engen, Mary Baker 1925-2006
  • National Air and Space Museum
  • Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
  • Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum
  • IMAX Corporation

Category

Chronology of Smithsonian History

Notes

Ewing, H., & Ballard, A. (2009). A guide to Smithsonian architecture. Washington: Smithsonian Books.

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

2000-2003

Topic

  • Airplanes
  • Space shuttles
  • Boeing airplanes
  • Museums
  • Museum architecture
  • Space flight
  • Space vehicles

Place

Washington (D.C.)

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