The National Museum of the United States Air Force presents a moving story, an epic of men and machines, starting with early flight before the Wright brothers and continuing through today. Our first thoughts about flight are those of “lighter-than-air” experiments including ballooning and dirigibles. Visitors quickly meet the Wright brothers and continue with the flying crates of World War I; the exciting “first” flights of the 1920s and 1930s; the action of World War II; and then continue through the ever changing history of the Air Force as they proceed through the museum complex. If they have allotted enough time, visitors may view aircraft of the Presidential collection and the Research and Development/ Flight-Test collection across the field in two World War II vintage hangars. Theaters, special events, shopping opportunities, dining, entertainment and educational programs have been created for the pleasure of all who visit.

This pictorial tour will allow you to sample all the major galleries within the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It will also let you visit the Presidential Aircraft and Research and Development/ Flight Test Galleries which are located in a secure area of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Visitors must sign up and travel on a bus to see that area of the museum. The Airpark, including the Eighth Air Force Control Tower and Nissen Hut, and the Memorial Park are shown in the Outside Exhibits Area.

You may begin your tour by section in chronological order or visit various sections in an order of your choice. Chronologically, the sections are as follows: Early Years, World War I, Between the Wars, Prelude to World War II, Airpower Gallery (World War II), Korean War, Southeast Asia War, Cold War Gallery, Missile and Space Gallery, Special Exhibits, Presidential Gallery, R&D/Flight Test Gallery, and Outdoor Exhibits.

ENJOY YOUR PICTORIAL TOUR THEN VISIT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE FOR AN IN-PERSON TOUR.