Are you into airplanes, seaplanes, or warplanes? Then you’ve got to check out the world’s most incredible aviation museums—either by visiting in-person, or by taking a virtual tour! These are institutions that hold some of the most iconic aircraft in human history, from the Wright Flyer to the Concorde. Here are some favorites and what kind of treasures they hold inside.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
This spot in Virginia is the companion facility to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. It houses some of the largest artifacts in the Smithsonian’s collection. You’ll find the Space Shuttle Discovery, a Concorde jet, and the Enola Gay, the B-29 bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb. The sheer scale of the displays in its two huge hangars is something to see.
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Located in the United Kingdom, IWM Duxford is Britain’s largest aviation museum. It’s on a historic airfield that was active during World War I and II. The site contains over 200 aircraft, military vehicles, and naval vessels. Its collection tells the story of aviation’s role in conflict, with famous planes like the Spitfire and Lancaster bomber on display.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
This museum in Hawaii occupies two hangars that survived the December 7, 1941 attack. The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is home to all kinds of warbirds, including a Japanese Zero and a P-40 Warhawk. The exhibits put you right in the middle of the battle that pulled the United States into World War II.
Pima Air & Space Museum
Out in the Arizona desert, you can find one of the largest non-government-funded aviation museums in the world. The Pima Air & Space Museum features around 400 aircraft spread across 80 acres. Its collection includes a wide variety of planes, from a Wright Flyer replica to a 787 Dreamliner. The dry desert climate helps preserve these historic machines for everyone to see.
China Aviation Museum
Just outside Beijing, this museum is carved into the side of a mountain. It showcases the history of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. Inside its massive exhibition hall and cavernous tunnel, you can see over 300 aircraft. Many of these planes are unique, like Chinese-built fighters and Soviet-era jets you won’t find anywhere else.
Plan Your Next Trip
These are some of the world’s most amazing aviation museums, either for the sheer number of exhibits, the historical significance, or their unique locations. If you can make the trip out to any of them, it’s worth it; you’ll get to see history up close and indulge your love for flight; but if not, you can at least visit their websites for a digital look.
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