A Comprehensive Guide to the Museum of Flight

The Museum of Flight stands as the foremost independent, non-profit air and space museum globally! Boasting a collection of over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, tens of thousands of artifacts, millions of rare photographs, numerous exhibits and immersive experiences, along with a world-class library, the museum and its dedicated staff vividly animate humanity’s remarkable flight history.

History

In 1964, a small cohort of aviation enthusiasts noticed a distressing trend: significant and historic flight artifacts were vanishing or being destroyed at an alarming pace. To stem this loss, they founded the Pacific Northwest Aviation Historical Foundation, dedicated to rescuing pivotal aircraft and related items to enlighten the public about their significance.

Recognizing the need for a dedicated venue to house and showcase these rescued artifacts, the first official exhibits of The Museum of Flight emerged in 1965 within a 10,000-square-foot space at the Seattle Center, home of the 1962 World’s Fair.

The seeds for The Museum of Flight complex were sown in 1975 when the Port of Seattle granted a 99-year lease for the land upon which the Boeing Red Barn stood. This historic structure, where The Boeing Company was born, narrowly escaped demolition and was transported via river barge to its current site, undergoing restoration in 1983 to become the inaugural permanent location for The Museum of Flight.

Subsequent additions included the Great Gallery in 1987, the Library and Archives Building in 2002, and the J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing and Airpark in 2004. Continuously expanding its exhibits, experiences, and educational initiatives, The Museum of Flight remains committed to honoring the legacy of flight and inspiring future generations through entertainment and enlightenment.

Military jets on display under a cloudy sky at an outdoor museum

Plan a Visit

Opening Times:

  • Open Every Day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM;
  • Visit Aviation Pavilion’s Aircraft: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM;
  • Holiday Closures: The Museum will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Admission Details:

  • Enjoy Complimentary Admission on First Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, every first Thursday of the month.

Hours: 

  • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily.

Contact Information

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