High-tech aerospace exhibit starts world tour at Smithsonian

WASHINGTON (AP) – A new high-tech interactive exhibition about the future of flight opening soon at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum could serve as an important test case for new technologies to overhaul the museum.

Designers have been developing the new exhibit “Above and Beyond: The Ultimate Interactive Flight Exhibition” with immersive videos, simulations, virtual reality, touch-tables and skill challenges for young visitors. Curators say it’s likely more interactive technology than the Smithsonian has ever had in one aerospace exhibit.

“Above and Beyond” opens Aug. 1 and runs until January at the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. Then it will begin a worldwide tour through 2020. Upcoming stops include museums in Dubai; St. Louis; Charleston, South Carolina; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; London, Tokyo and Chicago.