The last few times in DC, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has been closed for renovation. It has finally reopened. But, a visitor must reserve an entry time (free) since it is not fully operational at this time.
This museum, which is run by the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, features one of the world’s most significant collections of aircraft and space vessels. Among the oldest is Otto Lilienthal’s glider, which he successfully flew in Germany in the 1890s. Of course, the 1900s aircraft of the American duo the Wright Brothers is also showcased here. Airplanes flown by other pioneering American pilots can also be seen here. As you step through the exhibits, watch the evolution of aircraft from propeller to jet power in spaces dedicated to commercial and military planes. Even outer space is within the domain of this museum. Casually stroll by exhibits featuring satellites and spacecraft to see what the past has bequeathed us and what the future holds.
The National Air and Space Museum holds in trust over 60,000 artifacts and more than 20,000 cubic feet of archival materials. Historic aircraft and space artifacts, such as the 1903 Wright Flyer and the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia, highlight the National Collection.
Thousands of additional artifacts—including engines, rockets, uniforms, spacesuits, balloons, artwork, documents, manuscripts, and photographs—document the richness of the history of flight. A wide variety of these artifacts are on display at the Museum in Washington, DC and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
The Air and Space Musem is best known for their collection of rare and historically significant aircraft and spacecraft. The object collection also includes engines, medals, trophies, instruments, and equipment, models, artwork, spacesuits, uniforms, and much more. Altogether, the collection includes more than 30,000 aviation and 9,000 space objects. About 20 percent of the collection, including about 80 percent of the largest aircraft and spacecraft are on public display. Many objects are on loan to institutions around the world, while a significant number of objects are in storage.
The National Air and Space Museum holds in trust over 60,000 artifacts and more than 20,000 cubic feet of archival materials. Historic aircraft and space artifacts, such as the 1903 Wright Flyer and the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia, highlight the National Collection.
Thousands of additional artifacts—including engines, rockets, uniforms, spacesuits, balloons, artwork, documents, manuscripts, and photographs—document the richness of the history of flight. A wide variety of these artifacts are on display at the Museum in Washington, DC and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
From their website: The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, also called the Air and Space Museum, is a museum in Washington, D.C. It was established in 1946 as the National Air Museum and opened its main building on the National Mall near L’Enfant Plaza in 1976. In 2018, the museum saw approximately 6.2 million visitors, making it the fifth most visited museum in the world, and the second most visited museum in the United States. The museum contains the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia, the Friendship 7 capsule which was flown by John Glenn, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the Bell X-1 which broke the sound barrier, the model of the starship Enterprise used in the science fiction television show Star Trek: The Original Series, and the Wright brothers’ Wright Flyer airplane near the entrance.
Needless to say, this is my favorite museum in DC, along with the now defunct Newseum. I fondly remember my business travel in DC back in the 70s and 80s. Between meetings, I got to “kill” time at the various Smithsonians. And I most often chose the Air and Space Museum.
Anyone you choose is great, that is the beauty of these wonderful institutions.
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