Museum of Flight, Seattle (must see)

The Museum of Flight in Seattle is a privately funded air and space museum that operates as a non-profit organization. Situated at the southern end of King County International Airport (Boeing Field) in Tukwila, just south of Seattle, it has been serving visitors since its establishment in 1965. The museum holds full accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and is renowned as the largest private air and space museum globally. In addition to its impressive collection, the museum offers extensive K–12 educational programs.

With an annual footfall of over 500,000 visitors, the Museum of Flight is a popular attraction. It caters to more than 140,000 students each year through its on-site programs, including the Challenger Learning Center, Aviation Learning Center, and ACE summer camp. Moreover, the museum organizes outreach programs that travel across Washington and Oregon.

The museum's origins can be traced back to the Pacific Northwest Aviation Historical Foundation, which was established in 1965. Its initial goal was to recover and restore a 1929 Boeing 80A-1 aircraft discovered in Anchorage, Alaska. The meticulous restoration process spanned 16 years, culminating in the aircraft's display as a centerpiece of the museum. In 1968, the name "Museum of Flight" was officially adopted, coinciding with its relocation to a rented 10,000-square-foot facility at the Seattle Center. During this time, plans were initiated for a more permanent structure, and preliminary concepts were developed.

Within the museum's premises, visitors can explore the Personal Courage Wing (PCW), which houses 28 aircraft from World War I and World War II. These historic planes originate from various countries, including Germany, Russia, and Japan. Another notable feature is the "Red Barn," also known as Building No. 105, a registered historic site. Constructed in 1909, it served as Boeing's original manufacturing plant. The Red Barn exhibits utilize photographs, film, oral histories, and restored workstations to provide insights into the early years of aviation, showcasing the manufacturing process of wooden aircraft structures with fabric overlays.

Why You Should Visit:
"Largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world"; fun & educational for all ages and with knowledgeable staff to explain the exhibits, plus a well-stocked gift shop.

Tip:
Buy your tickets online ahead of time! They're cheaper and save your time by skipping the lines.
Plan on spending several hours here and eating lunch in the café as you cannot get through everything in just an hour or two.
The first Thursday of the month is always free admission for all ages between 5-9pm.