The Museum of Flight (MOF) is the largest independent, non-profit, air and space museum in the world. The museums features over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, tens of thousands of artifacts, millions of rare photographs, and a world-class research library. During your visit, you can wander the galleries and talk with the docents—expert volunteers who can enhance the experience as you explore the historically significant aircraft, space craft, and aviation artifacts and learn about the history of flight. MOF also offers special events throughout the year to inspire and encourage your understanding of science, technology and the humanities.
The Flight Restoration Center in Everett at Paine Field is where aircraft destined for the museum are restored. During a tour of the MOF Restoration Center, you can get a close-up view of this labor of love and talk to volunteers on site.
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Museum of Flight aircraft gallery – DepositPhotos.com
History of the Museum of Flight
In 1964, a small group of aviation enthusiasts established the Pacific Northwest Aviation Historical Foundation to save significant aircraft and related artifacts and in 1965, the first official Museum of Flight exhibits were put on display at Seattle Center.
In 1975, the Boeing Red Barn–the birthplace of The Boeing Company–was floated by barge from its original location on the Duwamish River to the new MOF location in south Seattle. The Red Barn was restored in 1983 and became the first permanent facility for The Museum of Flight.
The Red Barn was joined in 1987 by the Great Gallery. In 2002, the Library and Archives Building was added and in 2004 the J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing and Airpark.
The Museum of Flight continues to expand, adding experiences and educational programs that detail the history of flight to inspire, educate, and entertain visitors.
Visiting the Museum of Flight
Where: Located about 15 minutes south of downtown Seattle. Museum of Flight, 9404 East Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108. Free parking is located at the Museum entries on the east and west sides of East Marginal Way.
When: Open daily 10AM-5PM, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Regular admission: Adult (18+) $25. Senior (65+) $21. Youth (5-17) $17. Child (4 and under) FREE. Museum Members FREE. Non-English speaking visitors may wish to rent an audio guide, avilable in English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, and Russian.
Discount tickets available for active military & veterans, Boeing employees, AAA members, and others. Free admission with a Seattle Public Library Museum Pass or King County Library Museum Pass. On the first Thursday of each month from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, admission is free for all visitors.
- Admission tickets to the museum includes access to the main galleries and permanent exhibits featuring aircraft, spacecraft, and artifacts on topics in the commercial aviation industry, military defense, space travel, aircraft design, and the significant events that have shaped the history of aviation. The Kids Zone offers many interactive exhibits for young, curious, and aspiring pilots that provide a variety of exercises in aerodynamics, design, and piloting skills. For information about special events and exhibits happening during your visit, see: https://www.museumofflight.org/Plan-Your-Visit/.
Return visit: Since there is so much to see and do at the Museum, a return visit ticket allows you to come back and visit another day at a discounted price, within 7 days of your original admissions purchase. To purchase a Return Visit Ticket, visit the Admissions Desk.
Membership begins at $89 and includes unlimited FREE admission for 2 adults, a subscription to Aloft Magazine, a 15% discount on Museum Store purchases, FREE admission to Museum Partners, invitations to specials, and other benefits. For more information, visit: https://www.museumofflight.org/membership/
Volunteer Docents study to become experts in specific exhibits and aircraft around the Museum so that they can freely share this knowledge with visitors at the museum exhibits and participants in the tours and other programs offered throughout the year. For more information about becoming a volunteer, visit: https://www.museumofflight.org/About-Us/docents
![U.S. Navy Blue Angels at Seattle Museum of Flight photo by Mate 2nd Class Eli J. Medellin. [Public domain]](https://www.greaterseattleonthecheap.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/U.S.-Navy-Blue-Angels-at-Seattle-Museum-of-Flight-photo-by-Mate-2nd-Class-Eli-J.-Medellin.-Public-domain.jpg)
U.S. Navy Blue Angels at Seattle Museum of Flight for Seafair photo by Mate 2nd Class Eli J. Medellin. [Public domain]
Annual events at Museum of Flight in Seattle
These are some of the special events you might not want to miss that happen every year at the Museum of Flight. For these and other events, visit: https://www.museumofflight.org/Plan-Your-Visit/Calendar-of-Events.
Memorial Day at Museum of Flight in Seattle
The Museum of Flight (MOF) usually recognizes Memorial Day with a musical performance by the Boeing Employee Concert band followed by a special commemoration ceremony and Free admission for veterans and active U.S. Military personnel with valid identification. For more information, https://www.museumofflight.org/Plan-Your-Visit/Calendar-of-Events.
Free admission for dads to Museum of Flight on Father’s Day
If your dad is an aviation enthusiast, a great way to spend the day with him on Father’s Day (3rd Sunday in June) is at the Museum of Flight (MOF). The permanent exhibits feature aviation, spacecraft, and history from WWI through the Space Program. You can explore the history of Boeing, examine the cockpits of several aircraft, explore the interactive air control tower, and chat with the knowledgeable docents. Customize your visit with an additional experience, such as a space shuttle tour or flight simulator experience. And don’t forget to check out their Weekend Family Workshop, which features a special aviation project. On Father’s Day, admission is FREE to all dads when accompanied by their kids of any age who pay regular admission. MOF membership also makes a great gift. For more information, https://www.museumofflight.org/Plan-Your-Visit/Calendar-of-Events.
Jet Blast Bash at Museum of Flight Seafair Weekend
Jet Blast Bash is MOF’s annual Seafair weekend outdoor festival-by-the-flightline as the launch pad for most of the spectacular Air Show performances over Seafair Weekend (1st Sunday in August). Fast planes, fast cars, DJs and music, food, and beer with the closest seats in Seattle to the ceremony and thunder of the Blue Angels’ takeoffs and landings. In 2022, the Blues will unveil their new jets – the Super Hornets – for the first time in the Pacific Northwest! Free offsite parking and free shuttle. METRO Bus #124 makes a stop directly in front of the Museum. All activities at Jet Blast Bash are included with general admission. Admission prices: $25/adult (18-64), $21/senior (65), $17/youth (5-17), free age 4 and under. More info: Jet Blast Bash | The Museum of Flight and Hours & Admission | The Museum of Flight. More information about Seafair at Greater Seattle on the Cheap.
U.S. Navy Blue Angels Information
On Saturday and Sunday, August 6-7, 2022, viewing the Blue Angels from The Museum of Flight will be enhanced with Jet Blast Bash taking place in the parking lot! Museum admission is required to access this outdoor event. Note: Because Jet Bash takes place in the parking lot, onsite parking is very limited. Consider taking public transit or rideshare. METRO Bus #124 drops off directly in front of the Museum and can be picked up from the Tukwila Light Rail station or in Downtown Seattle. More info: Trip Planner General Information – King County Metro – King County
The week prior to the 2022 Seafair Weekend Festival, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will be stationed at the King County International Airport terminal (north end of Boeing Field). This area is NOT accessible to the general public. However, you can see the Blue Angels’ take-offs and landings from The Museum of Flight’s parking lot on Thursday and Friday, August 4-5, 2022.
Halloween fun at Museum of Flight
Celebrate Halloween aviation style when the Museum of Flight transforms into The Museum of FRIGHT. In the Museum galleries, you’ll find Halloween carnival-style games and activities to spark imagination, innovation, and get in the Halloween spirit. Design and build soaring, swooping, and spooky fliers below a high-flying glider, hop through an obstacle course under the Blackbird, and encounter other frightful surprises. Kids 17 and under IN costume can enjoy FREE admission. For more information, https://www.museumofflight.org/Plan-Your-Visit/Calendar-of-Events. And from our website, find more free and cheap Halloween events around Puget Sound.
Veterans Day at Museum of Flight
Honoring all of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, past and present. FREE Admission for all veterans and activity duty military; free admission can only be redeemed on-site; not applicable to online sales. For more information, https://www.museumofflight.org/Plan-Your-Visit/Calendar-of-Events.
Santa Claus visits Museum of Flight
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus make a special visit to MOF each year to meet with children and families and hear their wishes for the holiday season. Spaces are limited! Reservations are required. For more information, https://www.museumofflight.org/Plan-Your-Visit/Calendar-of-Events.
Tour the Museum of Flight Restoration Center in Everett
The Museum of Flight Restoration Center and Reserve Collection in Everett at Paine Field is located 25 miles north of Seattle. The 23,000 square-foot facility is where aircraft acquired by the Museum of Flight are restored. The Museum typically acquires 2-4 new aircraft each year and has ongoing restorations of about 12 additional major historical artifacts. During a tour of the MOF Restoration Center, you can get a look at the labor that goes into aircraft restoration and get a chance to talk to volunteers on site.
A group of dedicated volunteers puts in thousands of man hours each year, working to restore each aircraft to exhibition quality in the most historically accurate way possible. Donors and volunteers make the restoration of these beautiful aircraft possible. They are always looking for help and donations to support the ongoing work. For volunteer information, contact volunteers@museumofflight.org. To donate, visit: https://www.museumofflight.org/Giving/donate
The MOF Restoration Center Tour is available Wednesday-Sunday during business hours (9AM–4PM). Tickets: Adults (18 +) $5, Youths (5-17) $3, Children (4 and under) FREE. MOF Members also get in FREE.
Calendar of Air Shows and Aviation Events
The following events on our calendar include air shows and other aviation events around the Puget Sound region.
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
![Spirit of the Navy hydroplane at Seattle Seafair By U.S. Navy photo by 2nd Class Eric J. Rowley [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.greaterseattleonthecheap.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Spirit-of-the-Navy-hydroplane-at-Seattle-Seafair-By-U.S.-Navy-photo-by-2nd-Class-Eric-J.-Rowley-Public-domain-via-Wikimedia-Commons-e1530146527891-450x300.jpg)
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Thursday, March 30, 2023
Friday, March 31, 2023
