National Museum of the USAF - Presidential Gallery

Exhibits > Presidential Gallery

Presidential Gallery

Note: The requirements for visiting this gallery are listed below.

Attention: SAM 26000 will temporarily be taken off display on Dec. 5, 2009 and will return to the Presidential Gallery by Presidents Day 2010 (weather permitting). Click here for more information.

A Boeing VC-137C known as SAM (Special Air Mission) 26000, the aircraft that served as Air Force One on the day of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, stands as the centerpiece of the Presidential Gallery. In addition to Air Force One, the public can enter the presidential aircraft of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. Five smaller presidential planes and four other aircraft are also on display.

Presidential/R&D Requirements

The Presidential and Research & Development/Flight Test Galleries, located on the active part of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, are accessible using the shuttle bus service from the main museum complex. This service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up early as buses fill up quickly!

Buses are not handicapped accessible. Individuals requiring special assistance should contact the museum's Operations Division in advance at (937) 255-3286 to arrange transportation.

Military and Department of Defense civilians with government ID may use their private vehicle to visit the Presidential and R&D/Flight Test Galleries.

Note: A current government-issued photo ID (i.e. state ID or driver's license) is required for citizens of the U.S. and U.S. territories over age 18. All foreign visitors must present an original passport (a NEXUS card is an acceptable form of ID for Canadian citizens). Those under age 18 must be escorted by an adult (one adult per two children); children are not required to produce identification when accompanying their parents.

Hours of Operation

The Presidential and R&D Galleries are now operating on the following schedule. On weekdays, buses leave the museum every 30 minutes from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. On weekends and holidays, buses leave the museum every 45 minutes from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Participants must attend a briefing 15 minutes before their bus departs the museum. For those with base access, the galleries will be open from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily (use Gate 1B on week days and Gate 19B on weekends).

Note: Due to scheduled aircraft movement, the Presidential Gallery will be closed to visitors on Dec. 5, but will resume normal operating hours on Dec. 6. Click here for more information.