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.
Road Construction: Please note Springfield Street, the road that leads to the museum’s entrance, is undergoing construction through the beginning of September. Expect lane reductions and some delays. Please follow the signs and instructions provided by the road crews.
In order to make the most out of your trip to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, check out the information below before you arrive. Click on the drop-down triangles for additional information.
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.
Wheelchairs and motorized carts
There is a limited supply of wheelchairs and motorized carts available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis (weight limit is 350 pounds). Please bring your own wheelchair if possible.
Strollers
There is a limited supply of strollers available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring your own stroller if possible.
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.
Visit www.afmuseumphotos.com to view or purchase your green screen photos. Photos are available for 30 days from the day they were taken. Pomvom: (937) 741-0249 usafmuseumdayton@picsolve.com
The Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that assists in the development and expansion of the facilities of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. In addition, the foundation provides funds each year to the museum for special projects and underwrites several programs. The foundation operates the Museum Store, Attractions as well as the Valkyrie and Refueling Cafés. It receives its funds through the operation of these activities as well as through foundation membership, donations and gifts. For more information, visit www.afmuseum.com.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Tuesday, Thursday, Federal Holidays and Easter
The National Aviation Hall of Fame is located adjacent to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The National Aviation Hall of Fame was founded in 1962 as an Ohio non-profit corporation in Dayton, Ohio, the home of the Wright Brothers and the “birthplace of aviation.” The National Aviation Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring individuals who have uniquely contributed to America’s rich legacy of aviation achievement—achievement generated by American ingenuity and individual acts of great vision, persistence, skill and courage.
Since 1962 the National Aviation Hall of Fame has inducted over 200 of the nation’s premier air and space pioneers into the organization. The names are virtual who’s who in the world of aviation including the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh and astronauts John Glenn, Neil Armstrong and others. For more information, visit www.nationalaviation.org.
Additional information about COVID precautions available here
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.
Download these Scavenger Hunts prior to your visit to add to your experience!
Download this Scavenger Hunt to follow along with the Virtual Tour of the Cold War Gallery.
The virtual tour allows visitors to take a virtual, 360-degree, self-guided tour of the entire museum. Click here to explore the virtual tour
See interior images of aircraft on display at the museum.
Click here to view the images Download the free app from the Apple Store Download the free app from the Google Play Store
Museum events range from flying events and Air Force Band of Flight concerts to ceremonies and family events. Use the drop-down menus below to see details about upcoming events.
January 28 - September 6, 2021
SPACE: A Journey to Our Future See this highly interactive exhibition that ignites the desire for space exploration and discovery. More information
February 26 - September 26, 2021
"The Beauty of Space" Art Exhibit This exhibit will feature artwork by the International Association of Astronomical Artists. More information
Thursday, Aug. 19 National Aviation Day "Got any lofty plans for National Aviation Day? Let us be your co-pilot through aviation history! In honor of Orville Wright’s 150th birthday, August 19, 2021, the National Museum of the United States Air Force and Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park are teaming up to offer a Wright brothers-themed scavenger hunt in the Early Years Gallery. The hunt, which will be distributed by National Park Service rangers, will feature 10 questions, and successful hunters will receive a pilot wings badge as a reward! Come out from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 19, and try out this brand-new aviation scavenger hunt. For more information, please call 937-225-7705, or email holly_dobbs@nps.gov."
Friday, Aug. 20 Open Aircraft Day, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Enter the flight deck of the B-36J Peacekeeper (This aircraft will be open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Learn more about these aircraft from museum volunteers Lt. Col. (Ret.) John Paul “JP” Clarke and Ralph Taylor. More information
Saturday, Sept. 11
Open Aircraft Day, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to look inside one of the museum’s aircraft. More information
Friday, September 17
Plane Talks: In Observance of 74th Anniversary of the Air Force and National POW/MIA Recognition Day Subject matter experts will be stationed near the aircraft or exhibit that relate to the Air Force and POWs. More information
Saturday, Oct. 16
Thursday, November 11
Plane Talks: Veterans Day Subject matter experts will be stationed near the aircraft or exhibit that relate to Veterans Day. More information
Saturday, Nov. 13
Tuesday, December 7
Plane Talks: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Subject matter experts will be stationed near the aircraft or exhibit that relate to Pearl Harbor. More information
Saturday, Dec. 18
If your question relates specifically to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, please click here to view our Frequently Asked Questions.
For the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force:
Our Questions page is designed to answer most recurring questions. Click here to check our Questions page before submitting an e-mail.
National Museum of the United States Air Force Public Affairs Division 1100 Spaatz Street Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
(937) 255-3286
nationalmuseum.mup@us.af.mil
Note: All email submissions must include a subject line. Please avoid sending emails larger than 2MB or using special characters in your submission, such as &, # or ... as this may cause it to be rejected.
Due to the volume of e-mails received, we are not always able to respond to each submission.
For Air Force Museum Foundation Attractions:
AF Museum Theatre: theatre@afmuseum.com (937) 253-4629
Friends Membership: friends@afmuseum.com (937) 656-9615
Museum Store: gifts@afmuseum.com (937) 256-6245
For National Aviation Hall of Fame:
aspowart@nationalaviation.org 1-888-383-1903
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)