Massive quantities of snow that have fallen in Maryland have caused the collapse of a roof at one of the Smithsonian’s buildings, though no artifacts are thought to be damaged.
The collapsed section of a roof and a wall at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum Support Center were discovered today at the Garber Facility in Suitland, MD. The building houses artifacts from the National Air and Space Museum. A spokewoman for the Smithsonian indicated that items are stored inside containers and are safe. However, staff and “emergency officials” were unable to further investigate due to the conditions in the unstable structure.
Smithsonian spokeswoman Linda St. Thomas discussed the contents affected by the collapse to the Baltimore Sun:
St. Thomas said the facility includes buildings from the 1950s that were slated for demolition in the coming years. She said items stored at the building are not of high value, though it wasn’t clear what collections were inside.
