The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center in Los Angeles will open to the public on November 13.
The $450-million, 200,000-square-foot addition will house the Samuel Oschin Shuttle Gallery, where the Space Shuttle Endeavour will be displayed in a vertical launch-ready position.
The gallery will be the only place in the world with a complete space shuttle stack, including orbiter, solid rocket boosters, and external tank.
The shuttle flew 25 missions between 1992 and 2011. It arrived at Los Angeles International Airport in 2012 atop a modified Boeing 747 and was transported through city streets to Exposition Park.
Visitors can view the shuttle from multiple angles, including a glass elevator providing a bird's-eye view. The exhibit includes a video produced by Bad Robot, which ends with a simulated launch. A slide mimicking reentry is also planned.
Jeffrey Rudolph, president and CEO of the California Science Center, expressed excitement about the opening. Lynda Oschin, widow of Samuel Oschin, stated the shuttle represents her husband's interests. Dennis R. Jenkins, project director, noted the display is "particularly special." Retired astronaut Barbara Morgan said the shuttle will inspire space enthusiasts.