Smithsonian Institution Building (Washington, D.C.) Search this
Physical description:
Number of Images: 1; Color: Black and white; Size: 10w x 8h; Type of Image: Aerial, Architectural Drawings; Medium: Photographic Print
Type:
Aerial
Photographic print
Architectural drawings
Place:
Washington (D.C.)
Mall, The (Washington, D.C.)
Date:
1972
Category:
Historic Images of the Smithsonian
Notes:
In 1958, President Eisenhower authorized the preparation of plans for the construction of a building for a National Air Museum, to be located on a site bounded by Fourth and Seventh Streets SW, Independence Avenue, and Jefferson Drive. The 1964 design by Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK) for "a Museum for the Space Age" was selected. However, their initial design was later modified. In July 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law a bill authorizing construction of a new building for the newly-renamed National Air and Space Museum (NASM). Congressional passage of appropriations for the construction of the new museum occurred in 1971. The final design was approved in 1972 and construction began in November of 1972. The museum opened July 1, 1976.
HOK were the architects selected. However, their original design was revised and this became the final design.
For the 1972 final design by Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK), see Neg. SIA2017-018111 through 018119, SIA2017-018122 through SIA2017-018134, and 94-2479. See also Neg. SIA2017-018095 through SIA2017-018101 for initial design by HOK. For other designs for a proposed new National Air Museum see: United States, Public Building Administration 1949; McKim, Mead & White 1955; Harbeson, Hough, Livingston & Larson 1962; and HOK's preliminary design of 1964.
Summary:
Aerial drawing of the National Mall shows the location of the present Smithsonian buildings on the Mall as well as the location for the National Air and Space Museum between 7th Street, SW and 5th Street, SW and Independence Avenue on the south side and Jefferson Drive on the north side of the building.
Contained within:
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 07-010, Box 3, Folder: 7
