NASA | ART: 50 Years of Exploration presents an unparalleled selection of works commissioned by the NASA Art Program. Established soon after the inception of the U.S. space program in 1958, NASA’s Art Program provides a unique way to communicate to the public the accomplishments, setbacks and sheer excitement of space exploration over the past five decades. Drawn from the collections of NASA and the National Air and Space Museum, the exhibition features 72 works of art—ranging from the illustrative to the abstract. The selected works span the entire history of NASA and include paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and other media by such artists as Annie Leibovitz, Nam June Paik, Robert Rauschenberg, Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, William Wegman and Jamie Wyeth. NASA | ART 50 Years of Exploration was organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the NASA in cooperation with the National Air and Space Museum. William Wegman, 2001, photograph.

William Wegman’s signature Weimaraners pose as astronauts. One peers out of a space station while the other conducts a spacewalk. NASA loaned Wegman a model of a spacesuit to use in his work.

Norman Rockwell, 1965, Oil on canvas

Astronauts John Young and Gus Grissom are suited for the first flight of the Gemini program in March 1965. NASA loaned Norman Rockwell a Gemini spacesuit in order to make this painting as accurate as possible.

This work was on display at the National Air and Space Museum's Mall building from May 28 to Oct. 9, 2011, as part of the NASA | Art: 50 Years of Exploration exhibition.

 James Wyeth, 1964, watercolor on paper.

In the early days of manned spaceflight, technicians responsible for a launch worked in a domed, concrete-reinforced blockhouse, protected from accidental explosions. Although surrounded by cutting-edge technology, the technicians relied on a bicycle for check-up trips to the launch pad.

This work is on display at the National Air and Space Museum's Mall building from May 28 to Oct. 9, 2011, as part of the NASA | Art: 50 Years of Exploration exhibition.

 How to attend

National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

6th St. and Independence Ave SW. Washington, DC 20560
CLOSED - 211