WASHINGTON (AP) - The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is preparing to begin a $37 million renovation of its west wing exhibition spaces.

Continue reading

The museum said Friday that construction will begin this month on the 127,000-square-foot space.

Grunley Construction Co. of Rockville, Md., was chosen as the contractor.

The museum's west wing, which normally houses exhibits on political history and the first ladies, will close for the two-and-a-half-year project.

The center core and east wing will remain open.

Political history exhibits and the first ladies collection will be shown in other galleries during the renovation.

When the west wing reopens in 2015, it will include new exhibits exploring the history of American business, innovation, democracy and culture.

It will include new public plazas, an education center and a new Hall of Music.