Smithsonian Museum’s Roof And Wall Collapses

February 13th, 2010 - 8:49 pm ICT by GD  

By Madhuri Dey
roofMaryland, Feb 13, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The building of the Museum Support Center of the Smithsonian Institution has suffered considerable damage in a snowstorm. Located in the Garber Facility in Suitland, Maryland, the roof of the building has collapsed, along with a wall. Reports suggest that the damage had been discovered in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. The officials believe that none of the artifacts that are stored in the building have suffered any damage. However, they have not yet been able to check yet, as the building is said to be in an unstable condition at present, as cautioned by the emergency officials. A complete evaluation of the extent of damage will take place some days later.

Artifacts from the National Air and Space Museum, located in Washington D.C. are housed in the Museum Support Center. If any of the artifacts are damaged, it is going to be a huge loss as the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution contains the biggest collection of spacecraft and aircraft internationally. Besides, it is also a prominent center for spaceflight, aviation and astronomical research. The artifacts that are on display in the center are all originals.

However, according to one of the spokespersons for the museum, Linda St. Thomas, it is not likely that the artifacts inside have suffered any damage as they are all protected inside sealed containers. This step was taken as the building was already slated for a complete renovation, and hence was meant to be demolished. In fact, the collapse occurred at a time when the collection at the museum was actually undergoing transfer to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Museum.

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