The Museum of Flight
If I had to sum up The Museum of Flight using just one word, the word I would choose would be epic. I mean it’s enough that the museum has more than 150 airplanes on display. But, impressive as that is, it barely scratches the surface of what this gargantuan museum has to offer. All things considered, I suppose the scale of this world-class attraction is best conveyed by the fact that anything smaller than an airplane is classified as a small object. Incidentally, there are some 25,000 of these so-called small objects – ranging in size from engines to medals – on display. And, as if all that wasn’t enough, the museum also manages to find room for 90,000 books, 18,000 technical documents, 6 buildings, and 2 cafes.
But then again, you’d expect nothing less from the largest independent air and space museum on the planet. You’d expect a sprawling 25-acre site split between 2 campuses, mesmerizing 3D flight simulators, and more interactive exhibits than you can shake a stick at. The great thing about The Museum of Flight though is that right across its 6 galleries it delivers – and then some – on all of these expectations.
The Great Gallery
The Great Gallery is housed within a gleaming 6-story building of glass and steel. However, as architecturally stunning as the hall undoubtedly is the gallery’s exhibits more than live up to their surroundings.
All in all, you’ll find 43 aircraft in The Museum of Flight’s Great Gallery. Highlights include a carbon copy of the history-making Wright Flyer, an exceptionally rare Boeing 80A-1 (only 16 were ever built), and a spectacular M-21 Blackbird spy plane. Just to top things off, you can even sit in the Blackbird’s cockpit.
The Red Barn
The name “Red Barn” rather undersells this gallery’s significance. You see, the barn in question is actually the original Boeing factory. Okay, so the site has changed – the barn was relocated from the banks of the Duwamish River – but thanks to meticulous restoration work precious little else about the venerable building has.
Although a museum piece in its own right, the Red Barn has been retrofitted with exhibits that provide a comprehensive run-down on Boeing’s storied history.
Personal Courage Wing
This 2-story gallery is primarily dedicated to the fighter planes of World War I and World War II. The ground floor is home to 10 World War II fighter planes. While the upper floor is reserved for The Museum of Flight’s collection of 18 World War I aircraft. Although many of the older fighter planes are admittedly reproductions, some World War I originals, including a near-mint Caproni Ca.20, have survived to tell the tale.
Space Gallery
The undoubted star of the Space Gallery is NASA’s Space Shuttle Trainer. A truly mind-boggling piece of kit made all the more remarkable by the fact that it was used to train every single shuttle astronaut. Elsewhere within the gallery, you’ll be able to find a slew of interactive exhibits dedicated to the space shuttle era as well as the new space race.
Aviation Pavilion
This outdoor gallery extends across 3-acres and is devoted to airliners and World War II bombers. The jaw-dropping display includes everything from the supersonic Concorde to the rare as hen’s teeth Douglas DC-2 and from the imposing B-47 Stratojet to the first Air Force One.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park
A B-52 bomber is the centerpiece of this solemn corner of The Museum of Flight. Another key feature, more than worth a look, is the Tribute Wall. This wall, which is adorned by personalized plaques, pays tribute to those who served their country during the Vietnam War.
Hours & Admission
The Museum of Flight is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
Admission for youths aged 5-17 is set at $17. Adults over the age of 18 have to pay $25. While Seniors can expect to pay $21. Children aged 4 and under and museum members can both avail of free entry.