Major renovations to the north side of the East Building were completed in 2016. Since 2019, additional work has been underway to renovate the galleries on the west side, improve accessibility throughout the building, overhaul select building systems, and replace the iconic Atrium skylight, which was original to the building and is over 40 years old.
From February until June 2022, the East Building is closed to accommodate the highest-impact renovation work, including the completion of the skylight replacement and the removal of related construction safety structures and equipment.
The major elements of this phase of work include:
Atrium skylight replacement
The Atrium skylight, a critical component of the East Building architecture, needed repair after 40 years. To replace its 23,000 square feet of glass, the National Gallery installed an elaborate system of sliding platforms to replace its triangular glass panels.
Alexander Calder’s mobile in the East Building Atrium was removed and protective enclosures were installed around other large sculptures in summer 2020 to accommodate this work. The Calder mobile will be reinstalled in fall 2022.
Improved accessibility
Accessible double doors were installed in the East Building main entrance and new ADA-compliant restrooms have been constructed on the Ground Level near the Study Center entrance. The existing, ADA-compliant family restrooms one floor above, on the Mezzanine, were updated.
Near the East Building Auditorium, visitors will also find a separate lobby for the accessible elevator, which has been modernized.
East Building Auditorium updates
Separate auditorium and elevator lobbies were created to improve accessibility and visitor experience. The auditorium seats are being refurbished and recovered in their original (1978) rust color, and lighting has been improved. For the first time, the public will also be able to access restrooms immediately adjacent to the East Building Auditorium.
Tower 3 and West Galleries (Upper Level)
In addition to restroom renovations on the Mezzanine, new and refurbished wood floors, lighting, and laylights are being installed in Tower 3—which houses temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art—and in the West Galleries on the Upper Level. Fire and public safety improvements include new emergency exits and stairwell.
Artist Projects: Sarah Cain, Avish Khebrehzadeh, Kay Rosen
Three artists—each known for making works in temporary sites or architectural spaces—were commissioned to create special site-responsive installations to enliven the East Building during renovations. Kay Rosen's SORRY transformed the entryway of the East Building in an unexpected way from April 10, 2021, to March 27, 2022. Sarah Cain’s installation My favorite season is the fall of the patriarchy enlivened the Atrium from June 18 to October 3, 2021. Avish Khebrehzadeh brought her poetic works Tree of Life in Blue and Seven Silent Songs to the East Building from June 18, 2021, to February 27, 2022.