History
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Explore el Museo

The National Air and Space Museum is the world’s premier collection of air and space artifacts, stories, and expertise. It is the largest Smithsonian museum and the most visited museum in the country.  

The 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.

A view of the Destination Moon gallery. Neil Armstrong's spacesuit and the command module Columbia are both visable.

Mission: Commemorate, Educate, Inspire

Vision: Helping Build a Nation of Innovators and Explorers

One Museum, Two Locations

The National Air and Space Museum operate two landmark facilities. Together, both locations welcome millions of visitors a year. 
At both locations, visitors can explore exhibitions on aviation, space, and planetary science and enjoy programs and educational activities. 

Exterior view of the National Air and Space Museum under a bright sun, featuring its modern architecture with symmetrical design and unique metallic elements.

National Air and Space Museum

Washington, DC, on the National Mall

Immerse yourself in newly-renovated, in-depth exhibits filled with icons of flight. 

Plan Your Visit

Photo of the Udvar-Hazy Center exterior at dusk

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Chantilly, VA, near Dulles Airport

Three hangars hold hundreds of aviation and space artifacts.

Plan Your Visit

A black and white image from above, of visitors in a gallery looking at planes and space capsules on display in a large atrium.
Since 1976

Over 375 million visitors

What We Do

Two adult visitors stare down at a large interactive table, engrossed. To the right, three younger women visitors laugh while looking at another interactive.

Exhibit

At both locations, explore world-class exhibits with one-of-a-kind artifacts, amazing stories, and captivating interactives. 

A young child with joy on his face holds up an airplane at Soar Together.

Educate

From lectures with real astronauts, to story times for preschoolers, the Museum offers a variety of programs and resources to learn about aerospace at both locations and online.

Two researches look at a computer monitor with colors displayed on it. In the background is a topographical map of a planet and globes of different planets.

Research

Scientists in the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies are making discoveries across our solar system. Back on Earth, curators are the go-to experts in their subjects, from early flight the latest launches. 

A woman leans over a painting of an astronaut conserving it.

Conserve and Perserve

Collections care encompasses everything required to ensure the preservation and responsible use of artifacts. 

Dozens of various aircraft of all type hang suspended from the ceiling in a large hangar. More aircraft dot the ground.

About the Collection

The National Air and Space Museum holds 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.

Explore the Collection

70,000+

objects

12,000+

cubic feet of documents

1,750,000+

photographs

14,000+

films and videos

The warm yellow tone of this photograph and the fashions date it to the 60s or 70s right away. Visitors lean in to an exhibit about the Apollo program in the central core of the Museum.

Celebrating 50 Years

On July 1, 1976, the doors of the National Air and Space Museum's iconic location on the National Mall opened to the public for the first time.

In 2026, the Museum is celebrating the 50th anniversary of that milestone moment. Find out how we're marking the anniversary. 

Celebrate with Us

More About What We Do

Opening of National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in 1976

Museum History

Museum conservator David Blanchfield and space history curator Matt Shindell examining the Ranger 7 spacecraft

Organization

Set against a purple sky, the previous building that takes the space of the Bezos Learning Center is mostly demolished. Only some scaffolding remains.

Major Projects

Two people recline on lush grass. They wear eclipse glasses and stare in wonder upward. One person's mouth is open in awe. Behind them are other people in eclipse glasses.

Annual Reports