National Museum of World War II Aviation

Honoring the Past...  Building the Future

The National Museum of World War II Aviation documents the role that aviation played in the emergence of our nation as a global power during the Second World War.  Through its aircraft collection, artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays, the museum tells the story of our nation’s tremendous technological advancements during the war and describes the lasting social and economic changes that were essential to the success of the Allied war effort.

In its first ten years, the National Museum of World War II Aviation has made great strides in developing its exhibit program and assembling one of the largest collections of fully restored, flying World War II aircraft in the world.  In 2017, this world-class museum was recognized by Congress as “America’s National World War II Aviation Museum.”  Since then, the museum has rapidly gained the support of aviation industry leaders and educators who share the museum’s primary mission—inspiring future generations through the incredible story of World War II aviation.

The Museum Today

The National Museum of World War II Aviation is located on a 21-acre campus in the northwest corner of the Colorado Springs Airport.  With nearly 150,000 square feet under roof, the museum complex encompasses three aircraft display hangars, five exhibit galleries, two volunteer workshops, and nearly four acres of aircraft parking apron.  The museum also features a state-of-the-art World War II aircraft restoration facility that is open to the public as part of the museum’s tour program.  This interactive experience gives visitors an opportunity to see restoration work in progress and learn about the technologies and craftsmanship that went into the design and construction of World War II aircraft.  

The National Museum of World War II Aviation's multi-faceted exhibit program presents the story of World War II Aviation in ways that are engaging and enlightening for all ages and levels of understanding—from the casual visitor to the most avid aviation expert.  The museum is open to the public seven days a week during the peak season and is consistently rated among the top tourist destinations in the U.S.

Our Core Mission-Education

While the National Museum of World War II Aviation is a world-class history museum, its primary mission is aviation education.  The guiding principle of the museum’s education program is to capture the imagination of students early-on in the learning process and open pathways for them to explore the possibilities of a career in aviation.

The K-12 STEM Program

The starting point for most students is the museum’s K-12 STEM Program, a unique learning experience that teaches STEM concepts within the historical context of World War II aviation.  The K-12 STEM Program offers six modules, each designed for a specific age group.  Teachers are trained to deliver the modules in the classroom over a two-week period leading up to a capstone experience at the museum where the lessons are reinforced through hands-on, interactive activities and a tour of the museum.  

This highly successful program has served more than 25,000 students in its first six years of operation.  It is fully funded by the museum and is offered at no cost to students or their schools.

We Need Your Support

The National Museum of World War II Aviation receives no financial support from federal state or local government.  On-going operation and development of the museum is fully funded through revenues generated at the museum and donations from people who support our mission.

The museum needs support in two areas--program funding the the K-12 STEM Program, and capital funding for the museum's on-going development program.

K-12 STEM Program:  The museum is re-initiating its highly successful K-12 STEM Program following a two-year closure due to COVID-19.  A grant from the Colorado Division of Aeronautics will cover approximately 50% of the cost of the K-12 STEM Program in 2023.  The museum is seeking donations to cover the remaining costs.

Capital Development Program:  In 2019, the museum completed Phase I of its capital development program, a 40,000 square foot aircraft display hangar that houses the museum's exhibit program and 11 of its aircraft.  The museum is now seeking funding for Phase II, which will double the size of the aircraft display hangar to 80,000 square feet to house additional exhibits and several new aircraft that are coming into the museum's collection next year.