An in-depth look at the history, innovation, and artifacts that define human flight and space exploration
Few attractions capture the imagination quite like the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. From 18th-century ballooning to the latest in space exploration, the museum tells the story of human ingenuity through artifacts and stories that changed the course of history.
Looking for expert insights and fresh travel ideas? Download the latest issue of Leisure Group Travel for free and start planning your next unforgettable group adventure.
National Air and Space Museum
The museum cares for the world’s largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts, encompassing all aspects of human flight, as well as related works of art and archival materials. It operates two landmark facilities that welcome millions of visitors a year, making it one of the most visited museums in the country. Visitors come face-to-face with legendary aircraft and spacecraft that once seemed unfathomable, on view, suspended overhead, or displayed within arm’s reach. This includes aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, rockets, and other flight-related artifacts.
Together, the two locations create a seamless journey through aviation and space exploration, giving groups an unforgettable look at how humanity learned to fly, and how it continues to reach for the stars.
Museum in Washington, DC
Visitors can explore 13 refreshed/new galleries, enjoy immersive films, hear some new stories, and engage in family days and public programs. Five more galleries will open on July 1 is the site’s 50th anniversary. Two more galleries will open in the fall of 2026, completing a multi-year renovation.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The experience expands in scale and spectacle at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Groups can explore more than 3,000 objects from aviation and space history, on display in the Museum’s two spacious hangars.
Space Shuttle Discovery, Air France Concorde, the B-29 “Enola Gay,” and an SR-71 Blackbird are just some of the more than 200 aircraft that visitors will see.
Free guided tours offered by the museum’s docents will share stories that will leave groups informed, awed, and inspired. Visitors can also enhance their visit with a film in the Airbus IMAX Theater or test their piloting skills in a flight simulator. Group discounts are available for the Museum’s Airbus IMAX Theater, flight simulators, and virtual reality experience. Visitors can see some of the conservation projects underway in the Museum’s Restoration Hangar and/or watch planes take off from and land at Dulles Airport from the 169-foot-high Observation Tower. The experience expands in scale and spectacle at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Groups can explore more than 3,000 objects from aviation and space history, on display in the Museum’s two spacious hangars.
Looking for expert insights and fresh travel ideas? Download the latest issue of Leisure Group Travel for free and start planning your next unforgettable group adventure.
