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The Boeing Model 80A-1

Key Information

The Museum of Flight is a private non-profit air and space museum in the Seattle metropolitan area. It is located at the southern end of King County International Airport (Boeing Field) in the city of Tukwila, immediately south of Seattle.[5] It was established in 1965 and is fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. As the largest private air and space museum in the world, it also hosts large K–12 educational programs.[6]

The museum attracts over 500,000 visitors every year,[2] and also serves more than 140,000 students annually through its onsite programs: a Challenger Learning Center, an Aviation Learning Center, and a summer camp (ACE), as well as outreach programs that travel throughout Washington and Oregon.[7]

History

[edit]

The Museum of Flight can trace its roots back to the Pacific Northwest Aviation Historical Foundation, which was founded in 1965 to recover and restore a 1929 Boeing 80A-1, which had been discovered in Anchorage, Alaska. The restoration took place over a 16-year period, and after completion, was put on display as a centerpiece for the museum. In 1968, the name "Museum of Flight" first appeared in use in a 10,000 sq ft (900 m2) facility, rented at the Seattle Center. Planning began at this time for a more permanent structure, and preliminary concepts were drafted.[8]

In 1975, The William E. Boeing Red Barn was acquired for one dollar from the Port of Seattle, which had taken possession of it after Boeing abandoned it during World War II. The 1909 all-wooden Red Barn, the original home of the company, was barged two miles (3 km) up the Duwamish River to its current location at the southwestern end of Boeing Field.[9][10] Fundraising was slow in the late 1970s,[11] and after restoration, the two-story Red Barn was opened to the public in 1983.[12]

That year a funding campaign was launched, so capital could be raised for construction of the T.A. Wilson Great Gallery. In 1987, Vice President George Bush, joined by four Mercury astronauts, cut the ribbon to open the facility on July 10,[12][13][14] with an expansive volume of 3,000,000 cubic feet (85,000 m3). The gallery's structure is built in a space frame lattice structure and holds more than 20 hanging aircraft, including a Douglas DC-3 weighing more than nine tons.[8]

The museum's education programs grew significantly with the building of a Challenger Learning Center in 1992. This interactive exhibit allows students to experience a Space Shuttle mission. It includes a mock-up NASA mission control, and experiments from all areas of space research.

Completed in 1994, the 132-seat Wings Cafe and the 250-seat Skyline multipurpose banquet and meeting room increased the museum's footprint to 185,000 square feet (17,200 m2). At the same time, one of the museum's most widely recognized and popular artifacts, the Lockheed M-21, a modified Lockheed A-12 Oxcart designed to carry the Lockheed D-21 reconnaissance drones,[15] was placed on the floor at the center of the Great Gallery, after being fully restored.[16]

The first jet-powered Air Force One (1959–1962, SAM 970), a Boeing VC-137B, was flown to Boeing Field in 1996; it arrived in June and was opened to visitors in October.[17][18] Retired from active service earlier that year,[17] it is on loan from the Air Force Museum. Originally parked on the east side of the museum, it was driven across East Marginal Way and now resides in the museum's Aviation Pavilion, where it is open to public walkthroughs.

In 1997, the museum opened the first full scale, interactive Air Traffic Control tower exhibit. The tower overlooks the Boeing Field runways, home to one of the thirty busiest general aviation airports in the country. The exhibit offers a glimpse into what it is like to be an air traffic controller.

The next major expansion was opened in 2004, with the addition of the J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing, named after J. Elroy McCaw, an area businessman, entrepreneur and World War II veteran.[19][20][21] North of the Red Barn, the wing has 88,000 square feet (8,200 m2) of exhibit space on two floors, with more than 25 World War I and World War II aircraft. It also has large collection of model aircraft, including every plane from both wars.[22] Many of these aircraft were from the collection of the Champlin Fighter Museum, formerly in Mesa, Arizona,[19][23] which closed in 2003. The wing opened on June 6, the sixtieth anniversary of D-Day.[21]

In June 2010, the museum broke ground on a $12 million new building to house a Space Shuttle it hoped to receive from NASA, named the Charles Simonyi Space Gallery.[24][25] The new building includes multisensory exhibits that emphasize stories from the visionaries, designers, pilots, and crews of the Space Shuttle and other space related missions. The gallery opened to the public in November 2012.[26][27]

Though the museum did not receive one of the four remaining Shuttles, it did receive the Full Fuselage Trainer (FFT), a Shuttle mockup that was used to train all Space Shuttle astronauts.[26] Because it is a trainer and not an actual Shuttle, small group (no more than six persons, minimum age 10, maximum height 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)) guided tours of the interior are available, for an extra charge. The FFT began arriving in various pieces beginning in 2012. The cockpit and two sections of the payload bay arrived via NASA's Super Guppy.[28][29]

During the 50th anniversary celebrations for Apollo 11 in 2019, the Museum of Flight hosted a traveling Smithsonian exhibit with the Apollo Command module Columbia, which was used during the first Moon landing.[30]

Aircraft on display

[edit]
The City of Everett at the museum

The Museum of Flight has more than 150 aircraft in its collection, including:

Boeing 747
the first flight-worthy B747, City of Everett.[31] Its registration number is N7470, and it was named after the city of Everett, Washington. Its first flight was on February 9, 1969, and was retired in 1990. (Open for walkthrough)[32]
Boeing VC-137B SAM 970
the first presidential jet, which served in the presidential fleet from 1959 to 1996 (open for walkthrough)[17]
Concorde 214
(British Airways), registration G-BOAG (open for walkthrough).[33] This is one of only four Concordes on display outside Europe, with the other three being near Washington, in New York, and in Barbados.[34][35] One of the engines from G-BOAG was sold at auction in 2023 to a bidder for $728,240.[36]
Caproni Ca.20
the world's first fighter plane from World War I. The one on display at the Museum of Flight was the only one ever built.
de Havilland Comet
The world's first jet airliner.[37] First flew 1949, in production 1952 to 1964. This is currently stored at their restoration center at Paine Field in Everett.
Lockheed Model 10-E Electra
faithfully restored by pilot Linda Finch to match the aircraft Amelia Earhart was piloting when she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean
Lockheed D-21
unmanned reconnaissance drone, displayed mounted on the M-21
Lockheed M-21
the sole surviving M-21[38] a variant of the Lockheed A-12.[15]
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
The surviving cockpit section of 61-7977, an SR-71 that crashed in 1968.
Boeing 737
the prototype Boeing 737-100, formerly operated by NASA as NASA 515.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner
N787BX, The third 787-8 prototype. Open for walkthroughs.
Lockheed Martin RQ-3 DarkStar
the second DarkStar UAV prototype
Gossamer Albatross II at the Museum of Flight
MacCready Gossamer Albatross II
human-powered aircraft.
Aerocar International's Aerocar
one of five surviving Aerocars, (automobiles with detachable wings and propeller).
LearAvia Lear Fan
prototype N626BL
Douglas DC-2
one of only two remaining airworthy DC-2s.
Boeing 80A
the only surviving 80A, flown by Bob Reeve in Alaska.
Boeing 727-100 (E1)
An ex-United Airlines B727-100, The Original Prototype.[39]
Lockheed L-1049G Super Constellation
An ex-Trans-Canada Air Lines Super Constellation, located originally at the Toronto Pearson International Airport which was purchased in a controversial transaction in 2005. It is currently on display at the airpark.[40]
Lamson L-106 Alcor
the world's first pressurized sailplane.[41][42][43]

Exhibits and facilities

[edit]

On its grounds is the Personal Courage Wing (PCW) with 28 World War I and World War II aircraft from several countries including Germany, Russia, and Japan.

The Red Barn, Boeing's original manufacturing plant

There is also the "Red Barn", a registered historic site also known as Building No. 105. Built in 1909, the building was used during the early 1900s as Boeing's original manufacturing plant. Through photographs, film, oral histories, and restoration of work stations the exhibits in the Red Barn illustrate how wooden aircraft structure with fabric overlays were manufactured in the early years of aviation and provides a history of aviation development through 1958.

In June 2007 the museum opened a new space exhibit: "Space: Exploring the New Frontier", which traces the evolution of space flight from the times of Robert Goddard to the present and into future commercial spaceflight.

Restoration facility

[edit]

The museum maintains a restoration facility at Paine Field in Everett with about 39 ongoing projects including a de Havilland Comet 4 jet airliner, a Jetstar, and the Boeing 2707 mockup, among many.

Museum of Flight Library and Archives

[edit]

The Harl V. Brackin Library at the Museum of Flight was founded in 1985. As of 2011, it contains 66,000 books and subscribes to 100 periodicals; specializing in aerospace and aviation, it has an online catalog.[44]

The Museum of Flight Archives is accessible to the public via the Kenneth H. Dahlberg Research Center.[45] It includes millions of photographs and thousands of linear feet of manuscript materials. Highlights of the collections include the Gordon S. Williams photographic collection, the Peter M. Bowers Photographic Collection, the David D. Hatfield Aviation History Collection, the Norm Taylor Photographic Collection, the Elrey B. Jeppesen Aviation History and Navigation Collection, the American Fighter Aces Association Archives, the Lear Corporation Archives, and the Wright Airplane Company Collection.[46]

In December 2017, the Archives launched a digital repository. The site features digitized materials from archival, library, and artifact collections.[47] In April 2019 the Archives began to make archival collections available and searchable online.[48]

Other facilities

[edit]
The Airpark's Concorde in the foreground and Raisbeck Aviation High School in the background, 2014

In September 2013, Raisbeck Aviation High School (formerly Aviation High School) opened in a new facility directly north of the museum's Aviation Pavilion. The school is operated by Highline Public Schools as a STEM school with a focus on aviation. The school operates in partnership with the museum (which owns the land), Boeing, and other members of the local aviation industry. The facility will also be used for the museum's summer education programs when school is not in session.

Opened to the public in June 2016, the Aviation Pavilion spans the gap between the high school and the Space Gallery. The cover allows aircraft which were seasonally brought out, such as the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-29 Superfortress, to be put permanently on display. Constructed as part of the comprehensive "Inspiration Begins Here!" campaign, the pavilion contains 18 of the museum's most iconic aircraft. The 140,000-square-foot (13,000 m2) roof doubles the museum's exhibit space, and was built with help from Sellen Construction and Seneca Real Estate Development.

In late May 2019, the museum opened the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Park featuring the fully restored B-52G Stratofortess Midnight Express (59-2584) as the culmination of Project Welcome Home. Just west of the Aviation Pavilion, the park is free to the public.[49]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Museum of Flight

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Museum of Flight is a private non-profit aviation and space museum located at 9404 East Marginal Way South in , Washington, adjacent to (King County International Airport), dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of flight through its extensive collection of aircraft, , artifacts, and interactive exhibits. Founded in 1964 as the Pacific Northwest Aviation Historical Foundation by a group of aviation enthusiasts aiming to preserve flight-related artifacts, the museum opened its first exhibits in 1965 at , the site of the 1962 . In 1975, it secured a 99-year lease on land from the , enabling permanent development; a major milestone came in 1983 with the relocation and restoration of the Boeing Red Barn—Building 105, the original 1909 manufacturing site of the Airplane Company—from its Duwamish River location to the museum grounds. Subsequent expansions have transformed it into the world's largest independent air and space museum, including the T.A. Wilson Great Gallery in 1987 (a six-story hall housing 39 full-size historic aircraft), the Library and Archives Building in 2002, the J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing in 2004 (focusing on ), the Space Gallery in 2011, and the Aviation Pavilion in 2016 for additional outdoor displays. The museum's collection comprises over 175 aircraft and spacecraft—spanning from early pioneers like the 1917 Albatros D.Va reproduction to modern icons—along with more than 25,000 smaller objects (such as models, uniforms, and memorabilia), over 90,000 books and periodicals, and millions of rare photographs in its world-class library and archives. Standout exhibits include the NASA Full Fuselage Trainer (a full-scale Space Shuttle orbiter mockup used for astronaut training), the only West Coast-displayed Concorde supersonic airliner (one of just 20 built), the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (which set speed and altitude records on its 1990 final flight to the museum), and outdoor displays in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park featuring a B-52G Stratofortress. The facility emphasizes educational programs, interactive experiences like flight simulators and crew compartment tours, and temporary exhibits on topics such as World War I aviation and Apollo missions, attracting aviation enthusiasts, families, and researchers year-round.

History

Founding and early development

The Pacific Northwest Aviation Historical Foundation was established in 1964 by a group of aviation enthusiasts in Seattle, Washington, with the primary goal of preserving the region's aviation heritage by recovering and restoring historic aircraft. In 1968, the organization adopted the name The Museum of Flight. The foundation's inaugural project focused on salvaging a derelict 1929 Boeing Model 80A-1 from a junkyard in , where it had been abandoned after years of service as a cargo hauler; this 16-year restoration effort symbolized the organization's commitment to rescuing artifacts that represented the early days of in the . Initially operating from modest spaces, including a 10,000-square-foot exhibit area at —the site of the 1962 World's Fair—the foundation began displaying restored artifacts to the public as early as 1965, though these were limited in scale. By the mid-1970s, the group relocated to (now King County International Airport) after the leased 15 acres of land there in 1975, providing a more suitable aviation-oriented site adjacent to active runways. Early development efforts centered on acquiring Boeing's original 1909 Red Barn assembly building, which the foundation secured for a nominal fee of one dollar from the Port; the structure was floated by barge from its location and reinstalled at by 1983, becoming the museum's first permanent exhibit space and a key repository for early Boeing artifacts. In the 1970s, the foundation expanded its public outreach with the first major exhibits featuring restored World War II-era aircraft, such as fighters and bombers, supported by volunteer-led restoration projects. These displays were bolstered by partnerships with The Boeing Company, which provided artifact loans, technical expertise, and access to historical materials, enabling the organization to showcase authentic pieces of aviation history without owning every item outright. The foundation formally adopted the mission of educating visitors about aviation's past achievements, current innovations, and future possibilities, emphasizing the Pacific Northwest's pivotal role in the industry's development; this focus culminated in the organization's accreditation by the in 1986, affirming its professional standards in collection care and public engagement.

Expansion and key milestones

The T.A. Wilson Great Gallery, a six-story glass-and-steel structure, opened in 1987 as a centerpiece for displaying full-size historic , including the 747-121 known as the City of Everett, which arrived at the museum in 1995 and was integrated into the gallery to showcase milestones. During the 2000s, the museum added key structures to broaden its scope. The J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing opened in 2004, providing a dedicated space for and II aviation artifacts and stories. In the same year, the museum began planning for space-related acquisitions, though major implementations followed later; the Aviation Pavilion, initially conceptualized for outdoor displays of large aircraft, saw preliminary developments but full realization in subsequent years. The 2010s marked further milestones in infrastructure and collections. Ground was broken in 2010 for the Space Gallery, which opened in 2011 and featured multisensory exhibits on , including the acquisition and installation of NASA's full-fuselage Trainer in 2011. The Pavilion fully opened in 2016 as a 3-acre covered outdoor space for 19 iconic aircraft, doubling the museum's gallery area. That year also saw the opening of the Restoration Center at , enabling in-house preservation of historic planes. By 2018, the collection had grown to over 150 aircraft and spacecraft, reflecting sustained acquisition efforts. In 2020, the museum announced its Vision 2050 strategic plan, emphasizing long-term sustainability, inclusive exhibits, and educational expansion amid global challenges like the . Recent developments underscore the museum's ongoing vitality. In 2024, it welcomed over 465,000 visitors, generated $27 million in operating revenue, and maintained a $72.9 million endowment to support programs. The world premiere of The MiG-21 Project exhibit occurred on June 21, 2025, featuring artist Ralph Ziman's beaded transformation of a MiG-21 fighter jet to explore themes of conflict and repurposing, running through January 2026.

Location and facilities

Campus and main buildings

The Museum of Flight occupies a 23-acre campus adjacent to King County International Airport () in , Washington, encompassing indoor exhibit galleries, covered outdoor pavilions, and memorial spaces designed to immerse visitors in and history. The layout integrates historic structures with modern architecture, facilitating seamless transitions between exhibits while providing ample space for large-scale displays and public gatherings. At the heart of the campus stands the T.A. Wilson Great Gallery, a six-story, glass-enclosed hall that opened in as the museum's primary exhibit space. This soaring structure features a from which numerous historic aircraft are suspended, creating a dramatic , alongside interactive stations that explore flight principles and milestones. The Red Barn, the museum's oldest building, is a restored 1909 wooden structure originally used for early airplane manufacturing and relocated to the site in 1976 before opening to the public in 1983. Now a compact, two-story exhibit area, it houses artifacts and replicas from Boeing's formative years, including a full-scale model of the 1910 (), the company's first aircraft design. Complementing the indoor facilities, the Aviation Pavilion serves as a 140,000-square-foot covered outdoor gallery that opened in 2016, nearly doubling the museum's exhibit capacity for oversized . This open-air structure shelters 19 large planes, enabling guided walk-through tours of interiors such as the 1978 VC-25A and the supersonic BAC/ , while offering shaded viewing areas and educational signage. Dedicated to , the Space Gallery is a 14,000-square-foot facility that opened in 2011, showcasing post-1980 artifacts in a sleek, modern design connected to the Great Gallery. Highlights include a full-scale replica from the , mockups of the modules, and interactive simulations of orbital missions. The campus also incorporates the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park, a 1.5-acre outdoor area established in 2019 behind the Aviation Pavilion to honor those who served in the . Centered around a restored B-52G Stratofortress bomber, the park features a statue of a returning aviator, branch flags, and a tribute wall with personalized plaques, providing a contemplative space accessible free of charge from dawn to dusk.

Specialized facilities

The Museum of Flight's Restoration Center, located at in , serves as a dedicated facility for the preservation and restoration of aircraft in the museum's collection. This 23,000-square-foot supports ongoing projects, typically involving three to five aircraft at a time, with restorations often spanning several years and relying on approximately 50 volunteers who contribute thousands of hours annually to achieve exhibition-quality standards. Notable examples include the restoration of the , which has involved meticulous work on systems such as turret computers to return the aircraft to operational condition. Although public tours are currently suspended, the center previously featured a viewing gallery to allow visitors to observe the hands-on process. The Museum of Flight Library and Archives provide essential resources for researchers studying and , functioning as one of the most comprehensive publicly accessible repositories in the United States. The Harl V. Brackin Memorial houses tens of thousands of books, periodicals, technical reports, subject files, and manuals covering the full spectrum of flight evolution. Complementing this, the archives encompass over 5,000 cubic feet of materials, including paper documents, photographs, maps, blueprints, logbooks, and audiovisual records that chronicle manned flight from its origins to modern . These collections support scholarly inquiry through in-person access by appointment and digital initiatives, such as the museum's online portal featuring digitized photographs, letters, journals, and flight logs for remote researchers. The Dahlberg Research Center operates as an on-site laboratory dedicated to the analysis and conservation of the museum's artifacts, enabling detailed examination and preservation efforts beyond aircraft. It facilitates hands-on work with smaller items from the collection, which exceeds 50,000 artifacts including uniforms, instruments, engines, models, medals, and sculptures, ensuring their long-term stability through specialized techniques. Available by appointment Monday through Friday, the center integrates library and archival resources to support curatorial research, artifact documentation, and conservation projects, with staff assisting visitors and professionals via email, phone, or on-site consultations. In addition to these core facilities, the Museum of Flight offers practical amenities to enhance visitor experience and across its . Complimentary luggage storage is provided for travelers, available upon request at visitor services upon arrival. The site is fully ADA-compliant, with all exhibits, galleries, and restrooms wheelchair-accessible, and courtesy wheelchairs loaned free of charge; further accommodations, such as sensory guides and reduced pricing for assistance programs, are coordinated through staff. Food options include the on-site Wings Cafe serving snacks, sandwiches, salads, hot entrees, and beverages, alongside indoor seating, outdoor picnic tables, and permission for visitors to bring their own meals. Family guides are also available to help navigate the , promoting for younger visitors integrated into daily operations.

Collections

Aircraft highlights

The Museum of Flight houses one of the world's largest collections, encompassing over 150 that span more than a century of flight history. The collection emphasizes Boeing's heritage, featuring dozens of models from the company's foundational designs to contemporary airliners, reflecting Seattle's role as a global aviation hub. In the realm of early aviation, the collection highlights pioneering designs from the 1920s and World War I era. The Aeronca C-2, a 1929 monoplane, exemplifies the simplicity of early with its open , plywood construction, and basic controls including just five instruments. The Albatros D.Va reproduction represents a key German fighter from 1917, known for its sesquiplane configuration and role in aerial combat during the war's final years. A dedicated display in the Personal Courage Wing showcases 18 aircraft, illustrating the rapid advancements in fighter tactics and technology that defined the birth of . The World War II section features iconic combat aircraft that underscore the era's intense aerial warfare. The Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress, a restored example featured prominently in the 1990 film Memphis Belle, symbolizes the heavy bomber's endurance and its crews' bravery during campaigns over Europe. The Lockheed P-38L Lightning, a twin-engine interceptor from , was renowned for its versatility in high-altitude pursuits and ground attacks across multiple theaters. Complementing these is the Colt, a rugged Soviet with an unmatched production run of over 45 years starting in 1947, valued for its short takeoff and landing capabilities in diverse post-war operations. Transitioning to the jet age and modern aviation, the collection includes groundbreaking commercial and military jets that transformed global travel and defense. The Boeing 747-100 City of Everett, the 1969 prototype and first flight-worthy 747, conducted certification tests that paved the way for the jumbo jet's introduction as a wide-body in 1970. The , represented by the third production model (ZA003) that flew in 2010, incorporates advanced composites for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort in long-haul flights. The original , the first model produced in 1963, revolutionized short-to-medium-range service with its three-engine design and rear airstair. Adding an international dimension, a is the centerpiece of the 2025 exhibit The MiG-21 Project, a Cold War-era supersonic fighter that achieved over 11,000 units produced and served in numerous conflicts worldwide.

Spacecraft and other artifacts

The Museum of Flight houses several significant spacecraft artifacts that highlight key milestones in human space exploration. A prominent exhibit is the NASA Full Fuselage Trainer (FFT), a full-scale mockup of the Space Shuttle orbiter minus the wings, used for over 30 years to train astronauts in emergency procedures, systems operation, and crew compartment familiarization at NASA's Johnson Space Center. This trainer, transferred to the museum in 2012, allows visitors to explore the shuttle's interior through guided tours, emphasizing the engineering and human factors of orbital missions. Another key piece is the Apollo 17 Lunar Module Ascent Stage mock-up, a Grumman-built replica of the LM that served as the final stage for the 1972 mission, designed exclusively for vacuum operations to rendezvous with the command module after lunar surface activities. The collection also includes a reproduction of the McDonnell Mercury capsule, representing the early U.S. efforts in Project Mercury to achieve manned orbital flight and assess human performance in space. Complementing these are artifacts from international programs, such as the Soyuz TMA-14 Descent Module, which returned the crew of Expedition 19 from the in 2009, showcasing the reliability of the Soyuz design that has supported crewed since 1967. Additionally, the Apollo Command Module 007A, a boilerplate version used for testing and development in the late , illustrates the evolution of the command module as the crew's habitat during Apollo lunar missions. The Resurs 500 Capsule, launched in 1992 on a goodwill mission derived from the Vostok program, represents post-Soviet collaborative space efforts in and technology exchange. The Home Beyond Earth gallery, opened in June 2024, focuses on space station history and future habitats, featuring over 50 artifacts including space-flown objects, astronaut uniforms, and scale models of the alongside conceptual designs for lunar and Martian outposts. This immersive exhibit uses digital projections and interactives to explore daily life in orbit, drawing from past stations like and to envision sustainable human presence beyond . Beyond , the museum's collection encompasses over 25,000 small objects that document , such as pilot instruments, components, and cultural items like artwork and sculptures. Notable among these is a reproduction of the ' 1903 engine, a four-cylinder, water-cooled 12-horsepower unit that powered the first successful powered flight, underscoring early innovations in powerplants. The Harl V. Brackin Memorial Library further enriches this with over 90,000 books, periodicals, and documents forming one of the most comprehensive public repositories on and , including rare materials on orbital mechanics and mission archives.

Exhibits and experiences

Permanent exhibits

The permanent exhibits at the Museum of Flight provide immersive interpretations of through themed galleries and interactive displays that highlight key developments in aviation and . The Fighters exhibit immerses visitors in the of "the war to end all wars" with 18 original aircraft on display, accompanied by interactive elements that explore the evolution of fighter planes, aerial combat tactics, and aviation's pivotal role in the conflict. Located in the historic William E. Boeing Red Barn—the original site of Boeing's first assembly operations—the Boeing Story: 1916-1958 exhibit chronicles the company's early years, including the founding efforts of William Boeing and the transition from simple seaplanes to complex aircraft designs like the 707 jetliner. The Kids offers a dedicated hands-on play area for children in the Side Gallery, featuring flight harnesses and simulators for piloting practice, aircraft instrumentation panels, a mini tower, and a soft for imaginative play that introduces basic principles of flight. The T.A. Wilson Great Gallery serves as the museum's centerpiece, a six-story, glass-enclosed space where visitors can walk beneath and around dozens of suspended historic , such as fighters and bombers from various eras, with audio guides providing personal stories from pilots, engineers, and crews to contextualize their significance.

Temporary exhibits and events

The Museum of Flight features a variety of temporary exhibits that rotate periodically to highlight specific themes in and history, often lasting 6 to 12 months. These installations provide fresh perspectives on narratives, complementing the permanent collections by focusing on timely or artistic interpretations. One notable example is the MiG-21 Project, a multidisciplinary art installation by South African artist Ralph Ziman, which premiered on June 21, 2025, and runs through January 26, 2026. This exhibit transforms a Cold War-era MiG-21 fighter jet into a beaded symbolizing peace and reconciliation, developed over a five-year process involving communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and . In addition to exhibits, the museum hosts recurring seasonal events that engage visitors through interactive and celebratory formats. is an annual space-themed party held around April 12 to commemorate Yuri Gagarin's historic flight and the first launch, transforming the museum into a 21+ intergalactic with live music, DJ performances, experiences, food trucks, and space-inspired activities that blend , , and culture. Hops & Props, another annual 21+ event typically in February, pairs tastings of over 100 craft beers and ciders from the Northwest and beyond with guided tours of historic , raising funds for museum operations. For family audiences, the Jet Blast Bash serves as a free outdoor festival during weekend in August, offering front-row views of takeoffs and landings, live music, talks, hands-on activities, and access to the museum grounds. Past temporary exhibits have included Apollo mission anniversaries, such as the 2019 Destination Moon: The Mission, a traveling exhibit from April 13 to September 2 that showcased artifacts from the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing, including mission hardware and immersive narratives of the . The museum's event calendar further enriches these offerings with lectures, author Q&As, and hands-on throughout the year. For instance, on November 9, 2025, visitors could attend a by John Kinder on veterans' experiences in "Paying with Their Bodies," followed by a book signing, and participate in the Arts workshop, an art-based program for veterans focused on stress management through creative expression.

Education and outreach

Educational programs

The Museum of Flight's school outreach programs include field trips and virtual experiences for K-12 students, featuring curriculum-aligned modules on topics such as , principles, and that support , (NGSS), and . These initiatives bring interactive STEM content directly to classrooms or the museum campus, with options for at-your-location delivery to accommodate groups. STEM workshops at the museum emphasize hands-on learning through programs like the Aerospace Camp Experience (ACE), a day camp for kindergarten through 9th graders involving experiments, building activities such as gliders, and coding elements in flight simulators, often with guest speakers from the field. These sessions are conducted in partnership with via the Boeing Academy for STEM Learning (BASL), which oversees - and space-focused education across K-12. Additional collaborations with occur in programs like Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS), an online course for high school juniors incorporating aerospace math problems, vehicle design, and space exploration planning, culminating in a summer residency with scientists. The Podcast is an in-house produced educational audio series exploring and through diverse, thought-provoking stories and interviews with experts such as pilots, engineers, and historians. Hosted by Sean Mobley and presented by the museum, it features episodes on topics like the and commercial space preservation, aiming to inspire listeners with accessible insights into milestones. Diversity and inclusion initiatives in the museum's educational programs target underrepresented groups in STEM, including the Memorial Aerospace Program (MPA), a weekend series for students that highlights contributions from diverse communities in and through action-packed activities and . These efforts extend to scholarships and mentorships, such as annual awards totaling over $276,000 for high school students pursuing post-secondary STEM education or , with priority for participants in museum programs like Aeronautical Science Pathway and access to from industry professionals. Research access for academics is facilitated through the Kenneth H. Dahlberg Research Center, which houses the museum's archives—over 5,000 cubic feet of paper, photographic, and audiovisual materials on manned flight —and the Harl V. Brackin Memorial Library with 36,000 books, 60,000 journal issues, and technical reports on topics. Scholars can access these resources in-person by appointment or via digitized collections online, supporting studies in and without formal guided tours specified, though staff assistance is available for queries.

Public engagement and membership

The Museum of Flight fosters strong community ties through its membership program, which provides supporters with exclusive access and perks while funding the institution's mission to inspire curiosity about and . Membership tiers range from the basic level at $100 annually, offering unlimited free admission for the primary cardholder and one guest, to higher levels such as Aviator ($140), which includes free entry for children or grandchildren under 18, and ($200), adding four one-time-use guest passes and free admission to participating museums in the ASTC Passport Program. Upper tiers like Flight Leader ($350) extend benefits to include invitations to special events, such as member previews of new exhibits, and discounts on ticketed programs like simulators and camps. These programs encourage ongoing involvement, with members receiving 15% discounts on store purchases, movie tickets, and events, alongside priority access to opportunities. To enhance visitor immersion, the museum offers diverse tours and experiences that connect the public with its collections. Free public tours, led by knowledgeable volunteer docents, run daily and cover key galleries, providing guided insights into aviation history. Premium experiences include private, curated visits for small groups, granting exclusive access to aircraft cockpits, cabins, and rare artifacts not on public display, as well as behind-the-scenes looks at restoration work. Interactive options feature a motion-based experience simulating historic flights and a full-motion for hands-on piloting. These offerings, available both in-person and virtually through live expert-led online sessions, cater to varied interests and group sizes. Accessibility is a core priority, ensuring the museum welcomes visitors of all abilities. Courtesy wheelchairs are available free of charge at Visitor Services on a first-come, first-served basis, and the entire facility, including all exhibits, restrooms, and galleries, is fully wheelchair-accessible in compliance with ADA standards. Sensory-friendly hours, known as Sensory Days, provide off-peak access with adjusted lighting and sound levels for individuals with cognitive disabilities or sensory sensitivities, requiring pre-registration. Multilingual audio guides support seven languages—English, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese, Russian, French, and German—for $5 per device, with discounts for multiple units. Additionally, downloadable family exploration guides, including a social narrative and sensory map, help diverse families plan visits and navigate the space effectively. Community partnerships amplify engagement by integrating local groups into museum activities, particularly through volunteer programs that build lasting connections. Collaborations with schools involve docent-led tours for field trips, enhancing for students. The museum recruits volunteers aged 16 and older for roles like docents, who interpret exhibits and lead tours in multiple languages, and interpreters, who bring narratives to life through . These opportunities extend to broader members, fostering inclusivity and supporting the museum's goal of serving diverse audiences, with volunteers contributing to events and operations year-round. In 2024, these initiatives reached over 465,000 visitors, demonstrating the museum's broad demographic appeal and commitment to inclusive engagement that inspires interest in aviation careers among people from varied backgrounds. By prioritizing accessible and participatory experiences, the museum cultivates a supportive community that sustains its educational impact and encourages future generations to explore flight and space.

References

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