The Music Hall came into being as part of the 2013-2015 renovation of the west wing of the National Museum of American History. It will serve as the anchor for NMAH's culture and the arts exhibits when they open in 2020 on the Museum's third floor. The Music Hall replaces the former Hall of Musical Instruments, or HMI, which was “home base” for the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society since its inception, acting as its primary rehearsal location, the venue for most SCMS concerts involving keyboard instruments from the Smithsonian collection, and workshop space for SCMS educational activities involving visiting student and scholars. Formerly located on the west end of the third floor of the National Museum of American History, its broad windows commanded an impressive view of the National Mall from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial.  The Music Hall's new configuration, with the stage at its west end in front of the windows, includes flexible seating designed to accommodate a wide variety of performers' positioning while insuring that each audience member enjoys an intimate listening experience.