Existing comment:
What Is the Arts & Industrial Building?
[AIB is the second oldest Smithsonian building on the National Mall, built in part with the ticket proceeds from the 1876 World's Fair in Philadelphia, and served as our country's first National Museum.
Called the "Palace of Invention" or the "Mother of Museums," it was a grand experiment to showcase the latest ideas that were about to change the world, introducing millions to the steam engine, Thomas Edison's lightbulb, and Alexander Graham Bell's telephone. For the next 120 years, its soaring halls and vaulted skylights created the perfect backdrop for a parade of the Smithsonian's greatest marvels, from dinosaurs to Apollo rockets. Never fully renovated, the building closed to the public in 2004.
As part of its next chapter, a renewed A&I will open occasionally as a space for very special events and exhibitions that share its sense of hope, energy, and possibility.] |