The Museum of Flight is a large aviation museum in Seattle, Washington, with restored aircraft, flight simulators, and exhibits about aviation history

The Museum of Flight sits on the grounds of the former Boeing Field in Seattle. It holds one of the largest collections of aircraft in the world — more than 175 planes and helicopters — along with engines, cockpits, and artifacts from commercial aviation, military aviation, and space exploration. The museum is open to the public year-round and does not require advance booking to walk through most exhibits, though some experiences like flight simulators do need separate tickets.

The main building, called the Great Gallery, is a six-story structure shaped like a airplane hangar. Inside, you walk through restored aircraft from different eras — a 1929 Boeing 247, a Concorde supersonic jet, a Space Shuttle trainer, and dozens of others. Outside, on the tarmac, you can see larger planes including a Boeing 747 and a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane. The museum also runs a restoration facility where you can watch staff work on planes that are being preserved.

Key Takeaways

  • The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 East Marginal Way South in Seattle, about 10 minutes south of downtown near Boeing Field.
  • General admission covers the Great Gallery and outdoor tarmac exhibits, but flight simulators, the restoration facility tour, and the Concorde tour cost extra.
  • The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on some summer days; check the website for current hours before you visit.
  • Parking is free on-site, and the museum has a café, but bringing your own snacks is cheaper if you plan to spend most of the day there.
  • The museum is wheelchair accessible throughout the Great Gallery and on the outdoor tarmac, though some aircraft interiors cannot be entered by wheelchair.

What You Can See in the Great Gallery

The Great Gallery is the main indoor space and holds aircraft arranged by theme and era. On the first floor, you see early aviation history — planes from the 1920s and 1930s, including a 1929 Boeing 247 that was one of the first modern passenger airliners. The second floor focuses on World War II military aircraft, with restored fighters and bombers. Higher floors cover commercial jet travel, space exploration, and modern aviation.

One of the most popular exhibits is the Concorde, a British-French supersonic passenger jet that flew from 1969 to 2003. You can walk inside and see the cramped cabin and the cockpit. Another major exhibit is a Space Shuttle trainer — not the actual shuttle, but the full-size replica used to train astronauts. You can walk through the cargo bay and see the flight deck. The museum also displays the original Boeing 707, which was the first jet airliner used by commercial airlines.

Throughout the Great Gallery, plaques and videos explain the history of each aircraft and why it matters. Some exhibits are interactive — you can sit in a pilot's seat, look through a periscope, or use a touchscreen to learn about aircraft systems. The museum does not require you to follow a set path; you can move through at your own pace and spend as much time as you want on any exhibit.

Outdoor Tarmac and Larger Aircraft

Outside the Great Gallery, on the tarmac, the museum displays larger aircraft that would not fit indoors. These include a Boeing 747 (a wide-body jet that carried passengers from the 1970s onward), a Douglas DC-3 (one of the most important airliners in history), and a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (a military spy plane that flew at three times the speed of sound). You can walk around these planes and look inside some of them, though access varies by aircraft and weather.

The tarmac also holds military helicopters, a vintage seaplane, and smaller aircraft from different eras. On clear days, you may see active planes taking off and landing at Boeing Field, which adds to the experience. The outdoor exhibits are weather-dependent — in heavy rain or snow, some areas may be closed or slippery, so wear appropriate shoes.

Flight Simulators and Paid Add-On Experiences

The Museum of Flight operates several flight simulators that you can use for an extra fee beyond general admission. These range from basic simulators (where you sit in a cockpit replica and fly a short mission) to more advanced ones that move and tilt as you fly. Prices and availability change by season, so check the museum's website before you visit. Simulator sessions typically last 15 to 30 minutes and must be booked in advance, especially during summer and school holidays.

The museum also offers a paid tour of the restoration facility, where you can see staff working on aircraft that are being preserved or rebuilt. This tour is not always available — it depends on what work is happening and staffing levels. A separate paid tour lets you go inside the Concorde and the Space Shuttle trainer with a guide who explains details you would not see on your own. These tours fill up quickly on busy days, so arrive early or book ahead.

Hours, Admission, and Getting There

The Museum of Flight is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In summer (roughly June through August), hours may extend to 6 p.m. on some days. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. General admission prices vary by age — adults, seniors, children, and military personnel pay different rates. The museum offers discounts for groups and for members. Parking is free and plentiful on-site.

The museum is located at 9404 East Marginal Way South in Seattle, about 10 minutes south of downtown. If you drive, take Interstate 5 south and exit toward Boeing Field. If you use public transit, King County Metro bus routes 124 and 132 stop near the museum; the trip from downtown Seattle takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. There is no train station nearby. The museum has a small café that serves sandwiches, snacks, and drinks at typical museum prices; bringing your own food is cheaper if you plan to spend several hours there.

Planning Your Visit and What to Bring

Most visitors spend two to four hours in the museum, depending on how much detail they want to see. If you plan to use flight simulators or take a paid tour, add another hour or two. The Great Gallery can be crowded on weekends and school holidays, especially in summer; weekday visits are usually less busy. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible in the Great Gallery and on the outdoor tarmac, though some aircraft interiors are too narrow or steep for wheelchairs.

Wear comfortable walking shoes — you will be on your feet for most of your visit, and the outdoor tarmac is concrete. Bring a light jacket or sweater even in summer, because the Great Gallery is air-conditioned and can feel cold. If you have a camera, bring it; photography is allowed throughout the museum, though flash is not permitted inside some exhibits. The museum does not allow outside food or drink in the Great Gallery, but you can eat in the café or outside on the tarmac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring children to the Museum of Flight?

Yes. Children under five are often more interested in the interactive exhibits and flight simulators than in reading the history plaques. The museum has family restrooms and nursing areas. Some aircraft are difficult for small children to climb into or walk through, so be prepared to skip those. The flight simulators have age and height requirements that vary by simulator.

How long does it take to see everything?

Most people spend two to three hours seeing the main exhibits in the Great Gallery and walking around the outdoor tarmac. If you read every plaque and watch all the videos, you could spend four to five hours. Flight simulator sessions and paid tours add another hour or two. You do not have to see everything in one visit.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes. The museum has a gift shop near the entrance that sells aviation books, model aircraft, clothing, and souvenirs. Prices are higher than you would pay online, but the selection is focused on aviation history and museum-specific items.

Can I take photos inside the aircraft?

Yes, photography is allowed in most areas. Flash is not permitted inside some exhibits because it can damage the aircraft interiors or distract other visitors. Check for signs at each aircraft that indicate whether flash is allowed.

What if I visit on a rainy day?

The Great Gallery is fully indoors, so you can spend your entire visit there without going outside. The outdoor tarmac exhibits may be closed or slippery in heavy rain. Call the museum before you visit if weather is severe, because occasionally the entire outdoor area closes for safety reasons.