The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport is the sister museum to the Museum on the National Mall. The Center opened December, 2003, and provides the space for the Smithsonian to display thousands of aviation and space artifacts that cannot be exhibited on the National Mall. The two sites combine to showcase the world’s largest collection of aviation and space artifacts.
While there stroll by aircraft and small artifacts in display cases located on the floor, and view aircraft hanging from the arched ceiling on elevated skywalks. Many engines, helicopters, ultra-lights, and experimental flying machines for the first time are on display in a museum setting. Some of the aviation artifacts on display include the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet in the world; the Boeing Stratoliner, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay; and the deHavilland Chipmunk aerobatic airplane. Also on display is the Space Shuttle Enterprise.
The Center also offers the Airbus IMAX Theater; flight simulators; food service; a museum store; free docent tours; daily educational programs; and school group tours and activities are available. In addition, visitors can watch air traffic at Dulles Airport from the Donald D. Engen Observation Tower.
HOURS OF OPERATION: 10:00am-5:30pm (May 27-Sept. 4 extended hours til 6:30pm)
