New Exhibits

Following is a list of upcoming exhibits at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Please note that the opening date is subject to change. Additional information will be added to the website closer to each exhibit opening.
 

Global Positioning System and Its Impact (Now Open)

The 700-sq ft GPS exhibit explains how GPS works to improve everything from personal navigation to banking, farming, science, construction and many other aspects of daily life. It shows how the Department of the Air Force manages this amazing satellite system that has changed the world since the 1990s. The exhibit also explains the problem of space junk and shows how satellite orbits work, and features videos and a GPS quiz game. 

IUS-DSP Booster and Satellite: A Winning Combination (Now Open)

Flying the President (Now Open)

The 'Flying the President' exhibit will tell the story and display real artifacts from the air crews and maintenance personnel who transported the President of the United States on fixed-wing aircraft around the world." Opening in the August time frame, this engaging exhibit will ask (and answer) such questions as 'What music did American presidents enjoy?' and 'Were there really jellybeans on the aircraft?'

Women in the Air Force: From Yesterday into Tomorrow (Being installed now; completion in early 2021)

This multi-part exhibit highlights women’s achievements in aviation, civilian and military, with emphasis on the USAF and its predecessors. This effort will add balance to what has been in the past a male-centric overall story, and make the overall NMUSAF heritage message more inclusive, complete, and meaningful to a general audience. The exhibit covers historical issues, changes in laws and attitudes, and women’s contributions. Specific women and groups from all eras and various career fields are noted to emphasize the impact women have played in establishing women’s current position in the Air Force.​

SPACE: A Journey to Our Future (Jan. 28 – May 2, 2021)

TEMPORARY EXHIBIT - “SPACE: A Journey to Our Future” is a highly interactive exhibition that ignites the desire for space exploration and discovery, sparking imaginations, and inspiring new generations of explorers to dream of the possibilities that lie ahead. Highlights include touching actual rocks from the lunar surface and the red planet, exploring a Mars Base Camp while walking through a full-size habitat and work pod, taking a spin on a centrifuge, and looking far into the future of our exploration of the universe.

International Association of Astronomical Artists (IAAA) Exhibition (end of February through end of September 2021)

TEMPORARY EXHIBIT - In partnership with the International Association of Astronomical Artists, a temporary exhibit called “The Beauty of Space,” is scheduled to open in late summer. This new exhibit will offer visitors awe-inspiring art of varying mediums created by artists across the country.

Foundation of the Force: The US Air Force Enlisted Airmen (2022)

This exhibit will highlight the continuous and significant role of the enlisted force in the history of the US Air Force. In addition to new exhibits, existing exhibits are planned to be modified to include more of the enlisted force role within the galleries.