“Vintage Aviation News staff did not write this article; the content comes via our partners who wish to help support our website.”
If you love Aviation Museums, we know you already share our passion for aviation. Our multi-national team loves bringing you the best news, gossip, and advice of its kind online. And here, we cover a subject very close to our hearts, aviation museums.
It’s the vital connection between the glory days of aviation and the science of the future. These museums cause bright young sparks to marvel at aviation and wonder about the future. But where can you find the best aviation museum worldwide? There are many contenders to that crown, much more than we expected when planning this article. But we were pleasantly surprised.
Whether you love old birds or have a soft spot for modern planes, an aviation museum trip will improve your understanding. Followers of this fascinating sector come in many shapes and sizes, from plane spotters in fields to those playing aviator bettor games at MyTopSportsbooks or aviation console games. This page has something for everyone.
How we compiled our list
Creating a list, we could confidently present to our readers was no mean feat. We aim to deliver a selection of the best aviation museums you could visit on a day trip and those you may want to try and fit around a vacation.
There are many great museums in popular destinations, too many to list, but we’re confident those that made the cut are the cream of the crop. If you visited one of the museums featured in this article or have a worthy addition you’d like us to consider, feel free to message us. We’re always looking for new and exciting information on aviation.
Carolinas Aviation Museum
We’ll start with one of our favorites and an aviation museum we know you’ll love. The Carolinas Aviation Museum is in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the reason why we know you’ll remember this visit is it holds the Airbus A320.
Made famous by the “Miracle of Hudson,” US Airways Flight 1549 landed in the Hudson River following engine failure. After a thorough legal investigation, the plane’s final resting place attracts thousands of yearly visitors.
Museo del Air
Fancy some aviation history to break up a summer vacation in the Spanish sun? The Museo del Air has you covered. Located in the Spanish capital of Madrid, also home to Spain’s oldest airport, it’s a must-see if you’re traveling Europe or in Spain on business.
More than 200 aircraft and countless pieces of fascinating aviation history and stories are on show. The galleries concentrate on what Spain has given to the aviation world, from history to modern Spanish fighter jets still used today.
Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum
If you’re ever lucky enough to find yourself in the beautiful Alice Springs, Australia, you may think quenching your thirst for aviation history is impossible. But that’s not the case. There’s something to catch your eye at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum. It has found a home in the former radio house and has been open since 1928. A fascinating way to spend a few hours on vacation or, if you have more time on your hands, all day. You can even catch a break at the in-house theatre.
Red Bull Hangar-7
Owned by the popular energy drink Red Bull, this addition adds some much-needed modernism to aviation museums. It’s packed with delights, including Flying Bull Stunt Planes, Cessna C337, Boeing-PT17, Alpha Jets, and more. You could spend all day here and still not see everything you planned.
When you’ve had your fill of aviation history and evidence of Red Bull’s investment in the industry, why not browse the museum’s Formula 1 racing cars and motorbikes?
Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum
We’ve saved the best for last and recommend any like-minded aviation lovers have this museum near the top of their to-see list. This welcoming and fun museum focuses on military aviation, which is always a crowd-pleaser, but there’s something for everyone and a destination for the whole family. There are demos and talks from the experts and guests. Check the website for the updated schedule and to book. Finally, don’t forget to see the Being Blue Sky Aviation Gallery while visiting this gem in Denver, Colorado.
“Vintage Aviation News staff did not write this article; the content comes via our partners who wish to help support our website.”
Visit Duxford in the UK.
You forget IWM Duxford, in England. From Concord and the Spitfire’s, Mustangs, B17 etc from the 2nd world war. People come from all over the world to see these and aircraft still under restoration.
Agreed. I have been fortunate enough to fly into Duxford [ and Shuttleworth ] on visits from Australia. Both museums are up there with the best.
The Carolina museum has been closed for years for remodeling, but is scheduled to open later in 2024.
Since i am a volunteer here i can claim the magnificence that is The HARS Museum in Albion Park Rail, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia as a “Best On Show” award. We have Boeing 747 “VH-OJA” as the record setting longest non-stop flight London-Sydney record , which still stands today. Our replica of Smithy’s “Southern Cross ll” has recently become airborn again,after a long rebuilding of the magnificent wing.P2V7’s, C-47’s,DC-3’s,AADVAAK F-111,Over 70 aircraft restored, airworthy or static, you will not be disappointed with a visit to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society’s awesome display. Open daily. See you there soon!
We were delighted to cover the Fokker’s new ‘first flight’ recently too. a great job by Jim and team! https://vintageaviationnews.com/aircraft-restoration/fokker-f-viib-southern-cross-replica-flies-in-australia.html
Did we forget the National Air Force Museum in DAY and the Pima Air Museum in TUS?
And the Castle Air Museum in Central California? Last flying B-47 flying on display, B-24 and other rare aircraft wit a still growing collection.