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.
Effective July 30, 2021 - Masks required for all visitors while indoors.
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 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.
Cleaning procedures and hand sanitizer stations will remain in place throughout the museum and all visitors are asked to continue practicing good hygiene and physical distancing.
Events scheduled at the museum will continue as planned, however all guests will need to follow mask and physical distancing guidelines.
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Admission to the museum is FREE and there is no charge for parking.
There is a charge for the Air Force Museum Theatre and flight simulators. Please visit the Air Force Museum Foundation website or call (937) 253-4629 for show times and prices.
The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
The 8th Air Force Control Tower and Nissen Hut, located in the Air Park, are closed until further notice.
The entrance to the National Museum of the United States Air Force is on Springfield Street at historic Wright Field (Gate 28B), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, six miles northeast of Dayton, Ohio.
The museum's address is:
1100 Spaatz Street Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
Click here if you need additional directions.
During this time we will be using a different entrance door which will position visitors near the Early Years Gallery. Signage will direct visitors from the parking lot to the new entrance doors. Download a map showing the new entrance and walking paths throughout the museum.
Early Years Gallery World War II Gallery Korean War Gallery Southeast Asia War Gallery Cold War Gallery Missile Gallery Space Gallery Research & Development Gallery Global Reach Gallery Presidential Gallery Air Park Memorial Park New Exhibits Other Exhibits
During this initial reopening phase daily guided tours will not be available. However, most galleries and exhibits will be available. The museum is laid out in chronological order, making it easy for visitors to self-tour the facility. A reminder that all visitors should maintain six feet of separation between each visiting party at all times. (Those wishing to lead a large group for self-touring must contact the museum in advance to determine if this is feasible.)
Click here for additional information for groups and tours.
School & Youth Groups:
We are not offering special programming or tours for school or youth groups at this time. We will re-evaluate the ability to provide these programs as conditions change. Please check our website for updates. The museum has an extensive educational program for all ages, including guided tours, informational scavenger hunts, in-depth lectures, workshops and more. Click here for information about these programs.
Military Reunions:
The museum is a popular destination for many military reunion groups each year. For information about planning a military reunion at the museum or dedicating a plaque, bench or statue in Memorial Park, please see the Military Reunions page.
Motorcoach & Buses:
Click here to complete the Museum Group Registration form so group visit coordinator can assist you in planning your visit to the museum.
During the initial reopening phase, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force asks visitors to comply with the following guidelines:
Masks: 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.
Social Distancing: Please maintain a minimum distance of six feet from those outside your party while on the museum campus.
Sanitation: Hand sanitizers are available in the facility. Please use them and washing stations in our public restrooms. Cleaning will be enhanced throughout the museum.
Health: If you are not feeling well, have a fever, body aches or a cough, please visit another day. You can take our online virtual tour.
Check out this video with detailed information about changes made for reopening the museum.
Please note that CDC advises that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Guests should evaluate their risk in determining whether to attend. People who show no symptoms can spread COVID-19 if they are infected, any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19. We cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed during your visit.
Click here for additional information to help you plan your visit
The following exhibits and areas are closed until further notice:
Prohibited Items: - Firearms* - Knives - Box cutters - Food - Alcohol - Coolers - Backpacks * Firearms and other dangerous weapons are specifically prohibited in Federal facilities in accordance with 18 USC §930 (c) Permitted Items: - Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.) - Purses - Camera bags - Diaper bags - Strollers - Service animals Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum.
Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media. Individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while touring the museum.
The museum requires that all visitors wear face masks during their visit. Shields are a bonus or addition to face cloth coverings as they are geared to protecting eyes, and do not decrease spray/droplet spread as well as face cloth coverings.
Masks recommended by the CDC include non-medical disposable masks, masks made with breathable fabric (such as cotton), masks made with tightly woven fabric (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source), masks with two or three layers, and masks with inner filter pockets.
Novelty or non-protective masks, masks with ventilation valves, or face shields alone are not authorized as a substitute for masks. Masks must fit properly (i.e., snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face).
We’re glad you are interested in visiting the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force! If you have health concerns and are unable to wear a mask at this time, you may wish to consider visiting at a time when there are less restrictions. To better protect our visitors and achieve the highest public health standards, we are following CDC guidelines on wearing a mask.
Parking will take place as normal, but visitors may park farther away in any of the regular parking spots, if they are more comfortable doing so.
No, temperatures will not be taken.
The museum theatre, simulators, café and store will be open with guidelines to limit the numbers of people and ensure proper cleaning between use. There will be new procedures for entry/exit and one-way visitor flow as required. The cafeteria operation will be modified with limited seating of 120 people at a time and over the counter service rather than self-serve areas. Signage and graphics will be available throughout the museum to help visitors maintain social distancing. It is highly recommended that visitors of each traveling party maintain 6 feet of separation at all times.
Those who are not feeling well should approach the nearest volunteer/staff member and alert them of their condition.
Group size limitations will be determined by Air Force, Wright Patterson Air Force Base and State of Ohio guidelines. Social distancing and face coverings for visitors required.
If you have questions not addressed on this page or the accompanying links, you can send an email to:
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Air Force Museum Foundation
National Aviation Hall of Fame
Note: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the National Museum of the USAF, the U.S. Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external website, or the information, products or services contained therein.
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is located at:
1100 Spaatz Street Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433
(near Dayton, Ohio)