Smithsonian works to finalize deal for new site in London

As London works to redevelop its Olympic park from 2012 with a new cultural center, it could eventually include an import from the United States. The Smithsonian Institution is working to establish its first international museum outpost in Britain.

London's mayor and developers for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park site have secured $50 million in private contributions for the Smithsonian, the world's largest museum and research complex, to help anchor in a new "Olympicopolis" cultural center that would open in 2021.

A 3,700-square-meter Smithsonian gallery would feature permanent and rotating exhibits from Smithsonian sites, including the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History and National Museum of Natural History and various art galleries.