Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air
Opening on July 1, 2026
Military aviation during World War II was essential for victory and changed the nature and experience of war—and behind every piece of this technology were the people that made it possible or felt its impacts.
From carriers and kamikazes to flying fortresses, the Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air exhibition will feature people and artifacts that put aviation at the center of the twentieth century’s largest and most impactful conflict and made America a superpower. These range from famed aircraft of the aces, like the North American P-51D Mustang, to the tools used by concentration camp laborers to assemble German V-2 rockets. Visitors will gain new perspectives on the remarkable story of how the Allies won the war in the air through some of the museum’s most notable never-before-displayed artifacts, such as a rare surviving Soviet Ilyushin IL-2 that devastated German tank columns.
Learn about all the ways we're transforming the Museum.
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Take a Look Inside the Gallery
Enjoy this artist's rendering depicting what the gallery will look like.
Explore Our World War II Blog Series
The Museum gratefully acknowledges those who have generously supported this gallery.
Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air is made possible by the generous support of:
Kislak Family Foundation / Jay I. Kislak
Daniels Fund in Honor of Bill Daniels
In Memory of Harold E. Hodel
Stuart and Paula Fred
The Delman Family
Mary E. Jenkins
In Honor of William E. Sheneman, Jr. and
William J. Coyne, Jr.
Foster and Coco Stanback
In Honor of Jim Todd
Paul R. Wood
Museum Transformation
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