Air and Space Museum Repairs Could Run into Hundreds of Millions

WASHINGTON (WJLA) - After 40 years, the National Air and Space Museum is in need of major repairs. And the cost could run into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

With seven million visitors last year, the National Air and Space Museum is the third most popular museum in the world. That kind of traffic has led to much needed repairs. And the most recent estimate for the work has come in at $365 million.

“The Air and Space Museum is very important to the economic health of the institution,” said Claire Brown, the director of communications at the museum.

Brown couldn't talk about the estimate, since it's only an estimate. But she told 7 On Your Side the heating, air conditioning and mechanical systems in the giant building are original and need to be replaced - so do the exterior marble panels which are cracking and warping.

Four protective walkways were installed around the museum late last year to protect pedestrians against what could fall off the façade of the building. And they may be there for a while. Construction is not set to begin until 2018 and could take eight years.

The estimate of $365 million for restoration compares to construction costs of $200 million for the Museum of the American Indian built in 2004 and $390 million for the upcoming Museum of African American History and Culture.

“This building has been open for 40 years,” concluded Brown. “There are a lot of people here. But it’s time to replace it.”