The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum maintains the world’s largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts, encompassing all aspects of human flight and related works of art and archival materials. It operates two landmark facilities that welcome more than eight million visitors a year, making it the most visited museum in the country. It also is home to the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies.
One Museum, Two Locations
The Museum’s two buildings house thousands of artifacts showcased in aviation, space exploration, and planetary science exhibitions. At both locations, the Museum presents programs, educational activities, lectures, and performances that reflect the American spirit and the innovation, courage, and optimism that have led to triumphs in the history, science, and technology of flight. At the Museum in Washington, DC, which opened in 1976 and is located in the heart of the Smithsonian complex in Washington, DC, some of the most awe-inspiring icons of flight are on display. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, located near Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia, is a massive structure with open, hangar-like settings that accommodate large aircraft and spacecraft and entire collections of aviation and space artifacts.
Mission: “Commemorate, Educate, Inspire”
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits artifacts, archival materials, and works of art related to the history, culture, and science of aviation and spaceflight and the study of the universe. Its research and outreach activities serve all audiences within and beyond its walls. The Museum commemorates the past and is committed to educating and inspiring people to foster appreciation for the importance of flight to humanity. Vision: “Helping Build a Nation of Innovators and Explorers”