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Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air
Anticipated to Open by 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.
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National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
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Related Topics:
Aviation
War and Conflict
World War II
Aircraft
Military aviation
People
Technology and Engineering
Weapons
Take a Look Inside the Gallery
Enjoy this artist's rendering depicting what the gallery will look like.
World War II
Military Reconnaissance
Who Were the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)?
Who were the Tuskegee Airmen?
Explore Our World War II Blog Series
See More Stories
Meet Jacqueline Cochran
October 28, 2021
Stefan A. Cavallo: Test Pilot for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA)
November 12, 2020
Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service: The WAVES Program in World War II
September 14, 2020
Body Art During World War II: From the Lyle Tuttle Tattoo Art Collection
September 09, 2020
Latin America in the Air War
September 03, 2020
Celebrating the End of the War
September 02, 2020
The Cactus Air Force’s Forgotten Spine: The Royal New Zealand Air Force at Guadalcanal
August 27, 2020
A Special Delivery for the Doolittle Raiders
August 26, 2020
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
About 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
Foster and Coco Stanback
In Honor of Jim Todd
Paul R. Wood
Museum Transformation
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A major renovation is underway as we reimagine our galleries and presentation spaces in our iconic National Mall building in Washington, DC. Join us as we inspire a new generation of pioneers and explorers.
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