Ad Astra – 1976 – Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, Washington DC

This 115’ high sculpture was selected by moon astronaut Mike Collins and by the Washington Fine Arts Commission to celebrate the space age and the opening of the National Air and Space Museum in 1976.

Ad Astra is described as symbolizing the conquest of space by mankind. The title in Latin means "to the stars” - a fitting title for this large sculpture at the entrance to the Museum in the Mall.

On July 4, 1976, President Gerald Ford inaugurated the opening of the Bicentennial celebrations by cutting the ribbon in front of Lippold’s sculpture.

Architects: Helmuth, Obata & Kassabaum.