National Museum of the USAF (original) (raw)

About Us


It’s hard to believe, but 2023 marked the museum's 100th Anniversary!

Since 1923 the museum has grown from a small engineering study collection to the world's largest military aviation museum and is a world-renowned center for air and space power technology and culture preservation. The museum is home to countless one-of-a-kind objects. Our once small engine collection now includes more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles, thousands of artifacts, and spans 20 indoor acres with additional outdoor Air and Memorial Parks that continue to grow every year.

Today, the National Museum of the United States Air Force collects, researches, conserves, interprets and presents the Air Force's history, heritage and traditions, as well as today's mission to fly, fight and win ... air power anytime, anywhere to a global audience through engaging exhibits, educational outreach, special programs, and the stewardship of the national historic collection. With our educational outreach, we motivate, educate, and inspire youth interest in the United States Air Force (USAF) and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The statutory duties delegated by the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF) are accomplished on behalf of the American People.

We are the keepers of their stories.

Follow us here and across our social media platforms for updates and information on all our upcoming events and celebrations.

Plan Your Visit


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.

The museum is open daily from
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
(Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day)

FREE admission FREE parking

Click HERE to plan your visit, get directions and more.

Visit our EVENTS PAGE for information about upcoming events and exhibits.

Contact Us

Host Your Next Event or Meeting at the Museum

Image of a stage with a podium, black curtain backdrop and US and service flags. There is a large group of people sitting at round banquet tables on the floor in front of the stage.

Interested in Donating an Artifact to the Museum?

Do you have items that you would like to donate to the museum?

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force always encourages the public to help broaden and enrich the history of the Department of the Air Force through donated items. The generosity of the public provides many of the items used by the museum to create, sustain and continually enhance its many exhibits and study collection. We review every donation offer individually to see if it meets our collection needs and fits our mission to tell the story of the Air Force.

Learn more about donating your item by visiting our Donation Page.

*Please note: Due to the high volume of donation offers, we cannot accept unsolicited material dropped off at the museum or unsolicited material sent through the mail.