FIRST FLOOR

Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall

See the Bell X-1, the first aircraft to break the sound barrier, in the same Hall as Friendship 7, NASA astronaut John Glenn’s space-craft in which he became the first American to orbit the Earth.The Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall showcases some of the museum’s most iconic objects.

America By Air
Trace the history of commercial aviation in the United States from airmail to airlines.

Early Flight
Between the first flights of the Wright brothers in 1903 and the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the airplane grew from an ancient dream into a reality that would shape the future.

Aerospace and Our Changing Environment
This exhibition focuses on how aerospace innovations help us understand climate change while providing new technologies to respond to the challenge.

Thomas W.Haas We All Fly
This gallery explores the many facets of general aviation, from sport to business to humanitarian, and introduces the variety of careers available in aviation.

The Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age
Explore whoWilbur and Orville Wright were, what they achieved and how they did it, and how the world first reacted to their revolutionary invention.

Futures in Space
Who decides who goes to space? Why do we go? And what will we do when we get there? This exhibition explores the potential near- and long-term futures that may emerge with advances in space exploration technology and enterprise.01020304050607

 

An optional one-time 25-minute IMAX screening of Aircraft Carrier: Guardians of the Sea at 8 p.m. 

 

SECOND FLOOR

Nation of Speed
Nation of Speed recounts our desire to become the fastest on land, sea, air, and space in the pursuit of commerce, power, and prestige. 

Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery
This gallery probes the science and history of our exploration of planets and moons, telling the stories of the diversity of worlds circling our Sun and how exploring those worlds helps enhance our own understanding of Earth.

Destination Moon
Learn more about the extraordinary combination of motivations, resources, and technologies that made it at long last possible for humans to walk on the Moon.

One World Connected
Explore the story of how taking to the skies and stars fostered two momentous changes in everyday life: the ease in making connections across vast distances and a new perspective of Earth as humanity’s home.

Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight
In the 1920s and 30s, aviation pioneers pushed boundaries and blazed new trails in the air.  This exhibition celebrates this pivotal era of aviation with a vibrant new space.

World War I: The Birth of Military Aviation
Fascinating artifacts and the distinctive sights and sounds of early combat aircraft tell the story of how remarkable people adapted the new technology of the airplane to warfare and changed how the world fights and flies.