FUTURES exhibition debuts at A&I Building

Closed to the public for almost two decades, the Arts and Industries Building will host an exciting new exhibition in November.

One of the most memorable events of my life was my installation as the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, held in the beautiful and historic Arts and Industries Building. The soaring architecture of our second oldest building—the first National Museum—was an inspiring reminder of the place the Smithsonian holds as one of our most cherished American institutions. This year we are celebrating an important milestone­—our 175th anniversary. For almost two centuries, the Smithsonian has been a mirror to America’s past and a lens to peer into our shared future. That is why I am so pleased to share with you an exciting next chapter for AIB.

AIB will temporarily reopen to the public in November for the debut exhibition, FUTURES. A centerpiece of our 175th celebration, FUTURES will spotlight the Institution’s role as an engine of change, and challenge visitors to imagine different possible futures. This multi-disciplinary project will feature artifacts drawn from 23 units and initiatives across the Smithsonian, as well as commissioned artworks, interactive displays, and speculative designs offering different visions of a more hopeful world. In addition to the physical exhibition, FUTURES will include an interactive mobile guide, and special events and programming from November through July 2022.

AIB has played a crucial role in the Institution’s history, offering new ideas of what we could be. Since it opened in 1881, it has served many purposes. As the first National Museum of the United States, it was a space that allowed millions to experience first-hand ideas that would change the world: the electric lightbulb, the steam engine and Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone. Over the years, AIB has served as an incubator for almost every other Smithsonian museum, debuting everything from dinosaurs to rocket ships. It is only fitting that the Arts and Industries Building now serves as the Smithsonian’s catalyst into the future.

The future is a result of our decisions. This exhibition will encourage visitors to embrace their own role, both as individuals and collectively, in shaping what is to come. They will be encouraged to think about not only the decisions themselves, but how they get made, who benefits, and who may not.  FUTURES will not shy away from these tough issues and will encourage hopefulness in facing them, as we strive for a more equitable, peaceful and sustainable world. I have always believed that the Smithsonian is at its strongest when we are able to provide people with the tools they need to understand their lives and the world around them, and FUTURES will allow us to do just that. 

I want to thank Rachel Goslins and all our colleagues from across the Institution who have helped bring this project to life. We look forward to sharing more updates on FUTURES and our 175th anniversary celebration throughout the year.

Sincerely,

Lonnie Bunch
Secretary

For more information about FUTURES and the Arts and Industries Building, visit the AIB website.

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