Our renovation of the National Zoo’s historic Bird House houses “Experience Migration,” a major new exhibit interpreting the amazing story of bird migration and the science behind it. The project replaces the Bird House’s missing main entry with a bold addition. Inside, visitors are led on a journey through three immersive aviaries featuring key ecological characteristics and behaviors critical to birds’ annual cycles of survival.

New indoor-outdoor classroom spaces flanking the entry provide opportunities for Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center scientists to share their research activities. Building and site features serve as teaching tools to educate visitors about sustainable design, including bird-friendly glazing, stormwater retention gardens, and dark sky friendly site lighting fixtures.