Restoration Projects

Mask Policy:
In accordance with the updated guidance released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Defense (DoD) and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will require all visitors to wear face masks indoors effective July 30, 2021 until further notice.

Visitors ages three and up will be required to wear masks while indoors at the museum. This policy applies to all visitors, staff and volunteers regardless of vaccination status. Visitors may wear their own masks or a free paper mask will be provided. Cloth masks will also be available for purchase in the Museum Store.
Additional information available here.

Restoration Projects

Preserving the Air Force's proud legacy, the Restoration Division restores aircraft and aerospace vehicles to historically accurate and visually striking levels. Division members are well versed in a variety of skills ranging from machine and woodworking expertise to precision craftsmanship in sheet metal and painting. Their knowledge of aircraft spans years of technology -- from World War I fabric covered aircraft to the elite fighters of today's Air Force.

Restoration workers also maintain the museum's vast aircraft collection, move aircraft into exhibit position and work hand-in-hand with the Exhibits and Research Divisions and museum management on ever-changing gallery displays. The Restoration Division relies heavily on a dedicated, talented cadre of volunteers in accomplishing its mission.

Click here for a list of parts needed by the Restoration Division Chief.

Restoration Photos

Restoration Videos

Video by Ken LaRock

“Operation: Dinosaur” Saturday June 12

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

June 3, 2021 | 2:15

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force visitors will have a unique opportunity to see dinosaurs in the museum’s galleries during “Operation: Dinosaur” on Saturday, June 12 from 4-7 p.m. The museum will close at 8 p.m.

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force often focuses its events and programs on STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. This time the museum will focus on an area of science it doesn’t often get a chance to explore – paleontology. In addition to learning about the nuts and bolts of aircraft, visitors can learn about the fossils and bones of dinosaurs!

During this free event visitors can see a carnotaurus, raptor, baby raptor, stegosaurus, triceratops and tyrannosaurus rex. These realistic dinosaurs, presented by T.A.G. Art Company, can be as big as 9 ft. tall; they can move, blink, open their mouths and ROAR! Building 2 has been designated a “roar-free” zone for visitors that may have sensory-sensitivity.

Other activities for kids and families to enjoy during the evening include a dinosaur question game, tornado demonstration, youth fossil dig and dinosaur-related giveaways (while supplies last).

In addition, a paleontologist and geologist from the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery will join the event and share their knowledge of dinosaurs.

The museum simulators are adding prehistoric-themed rides to their line-up to include a movie ride titled “Dino Safari” and a virtual reality ride titled “Dive in Prehistoric Seas VR” (There is a cost per ride).

The Museum Store will remain open until 8 p.m. The Valkyrie Café will remain open until 7:30 p.m. and will add dino nuggets to their menu for this event.

T.A.G. Art Company has asked for help from the museum’s visitors to name the male triceratops. The museum will launch information about naming the dinosaur on their Facebook page on Wednesday, June 2.

For more information on this event, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Upcoming/Operation-Dinosaur/.

Some materials for the program are being provided through the generosity of the Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc. (Federal endorsement not implied).

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year thousands of visitors from around the world come to the museum. For more information, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.