Museum of Flight

Museum of Flight

Washington

85/100150 min

The Museum of Flight, located near Seattle at Boeing Field, is the largest private air and space museum in the world. Established in 1965, it houses an extensive collection of historic aircraft, including the original Boeing Red Barn, the first jet-powered Air Force One, and the Lockheed M-21 reconnaissance aircraft. The museum features the T.A. Wilson Great Gallery, a vast space with more than 20 hanging aircraft under a striking glass roof. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits such as the Challenger Learning Center, simulating Space Shuttle missions, and an Air Traffic Control tower exhibit overlooking active runways. The J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing displays over 25 World War I and II aircraft, including many from the Champlin Fighter Museum collection. The museum also offers educational programs, camps, and outreach serving over 140,000 students annually. Its blend of historic artifacts, immersive experiences, and educational initiatives makes it a unique destination for aviation and space enthusiasts.

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Tipp: Visit during weekdays or outside peak holiday times to avoid crowds. Purchase tickets online in advance to ensure entry and access to special interactive experiences. The museum offers discounts for students, seniors, and members. Allow at least two to three hours to fully explore the galleries and participate in educational activities. Check the official website for current exhibits, events, and special tours such as the Space Shuttle Trainer Crew Compartment Experience.

Interessante Fakten

  • •The Museum of Flight is the largest private air and space museum in the world.
  • •The original Boeing Red Barn, built in 1909, was barged up the Duwamish River to its current location.
  • •The T.A. Wilson Great Gallery features a glass roof designed by the engineer who worked on the Kingdome roof.
  • •The museum houses the first jet-powered Air Force One (Boeing VC-137B) on public display.
  • •It serves over 140,000 students annually through educational programs and outreach.
  • •The J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing includes aircraft from the Champlin Fighter Museum collection.

Geschichte

1965

The Museum of Flight originated from the Pacific Northwest Aviation Historical Foundation in 1965, initially focused on restoring a 1929 Boeing 80A-1.

1975

In 1975, it acquired the historic 1909 Boeing Red Barn, the original Boeing company building, relocated to Boeing Field.

The T.A.

1987

Wilson Great Gallery opened in 1987, inaugurated by Vice President George Bush and Mercury astronauts.

1992

The Challenger Learning Center was added in 1992, enhancing educational offerings.

1994

The museum expanded in 1994 with new facilities including the Wings Cafe and Skyline meeting rooms.

1996

In 1996, the first jet-powered Air Force One was added, and in 2004, the J.

Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing opened, showcasing World War I and II aircraft collections.

OrtsfĂĽhrer

1
William E. Boeing Red Barn1909

The original Boeing company building from 1909, made entirely of wood, relocated to the museum site. It serves as a historical centerpiece illustrating Boeing's early aviation roots.

2
T.A. Wilson Great Gallery1987
Jack Christiansen (structural engineer)

A vast exhibition hall opened in 1987 featuring a space frame lattice structure and a glass roof. It displays more than 20 hanging aircraft, including a Douglas DC-3.

3
Challenger Learning Center1992

An interactive space exhibit opened in 1992 that simulates a Space Shuttle mission with a mock NASA mission control and space research experiments.

4
First Jet-Powered Air Force One (Boeing VC-137B)1959-1962

The first jet-powered Air Force One used from 1959 to 1962, on loan from the Air Force Museum, open for public walkthroughs in the Aviation Pavilion.

5
J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing2004

Opened in 2004, this wing exhibits over 25 World War I and II aircraft and a large collection of model planes, many from the Champlin Fighter Museum.

Kontakt

Map