Then and Now: Entrance of the National Zoo

Between 1926 and today, the entrance to the National Zoo has changed considerably.

When the plan to revamp the National Zoo was unveiled in 1963, it aroused controversy (see below), causing the Smithsonian to reevaluate the plan prior to seeking approval from the Fine Arts Commission. 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.

Historic image from the National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress.