Then and Now: The National Zoo’s main entrance
The zoo's Connecticut Avenue entrance in 1926. Image by Library of Congress.
We first published this post on December 14, 2009. Since the zoo's entrance may soon change once again, we're re-running and updating the post now.
Between 1926 and today, the entrance to the National Zoo has changed considerably. This 1926 photo shows a covered pavilion for visitors, and a street for car drivers to drive straight into the interior of the zoo.
Compare that to the current entrance:
The Connecticut Avenue entrance in 2009. Image by the author.
When the 1963 plan to revamp the National Zoo was unveiled, it aroused controversy. According to the Washington Post (below), “The plan was viewed by members of the Fine Arts Commission Wednesday with shocked surprise, causing Smithsonian officials to indicate they will ask their architects to change the plan.”
From the Washington Post, September 20, 1963. 
Nonetheless, the major change of eliminating the roadways from the main entrance and moving the vehicle entrance to the northwest was retained and implemented, resulting in the plan that is familiar to visitors today.