Boat Hall, U. S. National Museum, c.1890s, Smithsonian Archives - History Div, Water Transportation Hall, also known as "Boat Hall", exhibit in the Northeast Range of the U.S. National Museum, now the Arts and Industries Building, was a comprehensive display of boat models, from canoes to sailing craft to steam boats. The large Haida canoes from the Northwest Coast made a striking display. Canoes are hung from the ceiling. Models of sailboats can be seen in cases along the walls. The "Boat Hall" occupied the same space from 1881 when the building opened through the late 1960's..