SPACE: A Journey to Our Future (Temporary Exhibit)

January 28 - September 6, 2021

“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 of the moon and the red planet of Mars; exploring a Mars Base Camp while walking through a full-size habitat and work pod; taking a spin on a centrifuge that is powered like a bicycle; getting an up-close look at a wide range of artifacts from the space program; and looking into future explorations of the universe. Click here for additional information.

"The Beauty of Space"
Art Exhibit

February 26 - September 26, 2021

“The Beauty of Space” exhibit will feature awe-inspiring pieces of varying mediums created by artists from the International Association of Astronomical Artists (IAAA). While we do not yet know all the stories held by the stars, “The Beauty of Space” spurs us to unleash our curiosity and keep moving forward on this grand human adventure. The International Association of Astronomical Artists (IAAA), is a nonprofit organization whose members implement and participate in astronomical and space art projects, promote education about space art and foster international cooperation in artistic work inspired by the exploration of the Universe. Click here for more information.

Open Aircraft Days

On these days, visitors will have the unique
opportunity to look inside one of the museum’s aircraft from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Saturday, May 8, 2021 - Look in the F-22A cockpit
Learn more about the aircraft from Maj. (Ret.) James Miklasevich, a museum volunteer and F-22 Systems Engineer.

Saturday, June 19, 2021 - Walk inside the C-7A
Learn more about this aircraft from museum volunteer and former aircraft structural repairman, Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Jerry Mongelli.

Future Dates:
Friday, July 9, 2021
Friday, Aug. 20, 2021
Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021
Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021
Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021
Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021

Additional information available in News Release

Plane Talks

Plane Talks will occur a few times a year and allow visitors the opportunity to interact with various subject matter experts. The experts at these talks may include veterans, active duty, former pilots, crew members, engineers, navigators, and more. These experts will be stationed in the galleries near the aircraft or exhibit that relates to their expertise. These Plane Talks programs often occur on the anniversary of a significant Air Force or military event.

Armed Forces Day
Saturday, May 15, 2021, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
 

Future Dates:
September 17 – In Observance of 74th Anniversary of the Air Force and National POW/MIA Recognition Day
November 11 – Veterans Day
December 7 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Video-USAF Maj.(Ret.) Lew Newhard- Former SAM 26000 Pilot

Operation Dinosaur

Saturday, June 12, 2021, 4 – 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. For this event we are going to focus on an area of Science we don’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! Join us for this FREE event as “larger than life” dinosaurs storm the museum. The event will include activities for the whole family, Jurassic-era themed simulator rides, giveaways and fun facts. Did you know that the quetzalcoatlus had a wingspan about the same length as the 1909 Wright Flyer? Learn this and other facts during the event on June 12, 2021.

A few dinosaurs will be in Buildings 2, 3 and 4 between 4 – 7 p.m. The museum will close at 8 p.m.

Some dinosaurs are as big as 9 ft. tall. These dinosaurs are very realistic and can move, blink, open their mouths and ROAR! For our visitors that may have sensory-sensitivity, Building 2 will be a “roar-free” zone.

Concerts

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force teams up with the USAF Band of Flight and other performers for concerts throughout the year.

Virtual Holiday Concert
released on Friday, December 11, 2020
available for viewing on YouTube and Facebook

Video-Air Force Band of Flight Concert Footage(2019)

Traveling WWII Memorial
(postponed)

The Traveling WWII Memorial consists of the Wall of Stars, the Atlantic and Pacific Pavilions, 56 Pillars, and stands with oak and wheat wreaths.  Granite slabs also highlight quotes from President Roosevelt and General MacArthur.  The Wall of Stars reads “Here Marks the Price of Freedom." This traveling display is owned by Freedom’s Never Free.

SALUTE:
A Vietnam Veterans Tribute
(postponed)

This event will include living history reenactors, vehicles of the era, live music from the 1960s and the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) 80% scale Vietnam Wall replica.

Cockpits & Cocktails (postponed)

The museum is planning an evening event exclusively for adults ages 21+ with food, fun and drinks! Tickets will be required.

Traveling Korean War Memorial “The Forgotten War” (postponed)

The museum is preparing to host a replica of the Korean War Memorial for public display on the museum’s front lawn. This traveling display is owned by Freedom’s Never Free.

World War I Dawn Patrol Rendezvous (postponed)

Due to current world affairs the WWI Dawn Patrol Rendezvous has been postponed until further notice. This will allow time to work the requirements for this event and ensure it is safe for our out-of-state participants to travel.

Video-Replica WWI Flying Aircraft at the Dawn Patrol Rendezvous 2018

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