Aviation and space artifacts abound at the National Air & Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA! Admission is free! Plus, after 4 pm, parking is free, too (parking is fee-based until 4 pm).
Also known as the Udvar-Hazy Center, this Smithsonian museum is the second location of the National Air & Space Museum (the original is on the National Mall in Washington, DC).
Like its sister museum, the Udvar-Hazy Center showcases the history and science of aviation, spaceflight, planetary science, and terrestrial geology/geophysics. Its two large hangars hold over 3,000 objects, including more than 200 aircraft and spacecraft.
- Observation Tower
Watch planes take off and land at Washington Dulles International Airport and get a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. - Simulators
Fly jet-age combat sorties in simulators that let you perform 360-degree barrel rolls! These opportunities are fee-based. Height minimums apply (42″ for the ride simulators and VR Transporter, 48″ for the interactive flight simulators). - Drop-In Storytimes
Hear a story about air and space read by one of the museum’s educators, usually followed by a craft. Perfect for the youngest air and space enthusiasts! Check the museum’s events calendar for current days and times. - Airbus IMAX Theater
See large-format films projected on a screen five stories high, with six-channel digital surround sound. This opportunity is fee-based. - Restoration Hangar
Watch as the museum’s specialists reconstruct, repair, and preserve rare artifacts. - Discovery Stations
These portable carts provide opportunities for active looking, discussion, and hands-on activities related to aviation, space exploration, astronomy, and planetary geology. - Collection Highlights
Discover a selection of the best-known air and space artifacts on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. - Free Guided Tours
Take a free highlights tour led by one of the museum’s volunteer docents. Check the Tour Desk for times. - Shake Shack
Grab a bite on site, including two exclusive desserts created for the museum.
This unique destination has delighted visitors from all over the globe — from families looking to learn something new to aerial and space enthusiasts. You’ll be amazed by the museum’s exhibits, simulators, and thousands of aviation and space artifacts.
While there, watch conservators at work in the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar, and see the museum’s biggest artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, a Concorde, and a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. The museum also boasts an IMAX Theater (featuring a screen five stories high!) and an observation tower offering a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of Dulles Airport and the surrounding area.
Admission to this museum is free, and parking is fee-based until 4 pm (free after 4 pm; learn more here). Buses and cars that stay less than 30 minutes are not charged, and there’s no parking fee for drop-offs and pickups.
Details:
Website
Hours:
10 am-5:30 pm daily (closed Dec 25)
Location:
National Air & Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center ∙ Chantilly, VA
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
