Two Smithsonian museums to reopen

WASHINGTON, June 26 (UPI) -- The American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, which share the old U.S. Patent Office in Washington, are set to reopen after six years.

The two museums -- completely separate before 2000, both physically and in their approach to history -- have been re-imagined, The New York Times reported. The two now collaborate to explore America's rich history.

"Both museums are telling stories of America, one through the lens of biography and individuals, the other through the lens of ideas," said Elizabeth Broun, director of the American Art Museum. "When the lenses converge,they help us understand who we are as people."

The $300 million redesign has allowed for wider exhibition space, brighter light and central entrances. There are 3,300 more artworks than before, five times the number displayed when the museums closed.

The new exhibition follows a chronological progression to permit a view history through artistic evolution as well as political events and territorial expansion.

The portraits now also demonstrate the diversity of America's population and highlight Americans who are still alive, such as Gloria Steinem and Tom Wolfe.