National Air and Space Museum's iconic artifacts

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall houses foundational artifacts of aviation and spaceflight, including the 1903 Wright Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module Columbia. The museum opened in 1976 and presents exhibitions on the history, science, and cultural impact of flight and space exploration. It is one of the most‑visited museums in Washington and operates research and public‑education programs related to aeronautics and astronautics.