Attraction
Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle at Seattle Center has an observation level at 520 feet and The Loupe, a revolving glass floor.
The Museum of Flight
At the south end of Boeing Field, The Museum of Flight displays historic aircraft and spacecraft, including a Concorde, an Air Force One and the first Boeing 747.
At a glance
- Type
- Aviation and space museum
- Area
- Boeing Field, Seattle, United States
- Official site
- museumofflight.org
Good to know
- Walk-through aircraft
- Space gallery
- Outdoor Aviation Pavilion
Why we recommend it
The Museum of Flight sits at the southern end of King County International Airport, better known as Boeing Field, south of downtown. Its story began in 1965, when a group of enthusiasts formed a foundation to recover and restore a 1929 Boeing 80A-1 found in Alaska. Today it is a large air and space museum and an easy half-day or full-day trip from the city.
The Great Gallery, opened in 1987, is a huge hall with more than 20 aircraft hanging from the ceiling, including a Douglas DC-3, and the sole surviving Lockheed M-21 at its centre. Next door is the Red Barn, built in 1909 as Boeing's original manufacturing plant and floated up the Duwamish River to the site, which tells the early history of the company and of flight in the region. The J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing, opened in 2004, adds two more floors of exhibition space.
The covered Aviation Pavilion opened in 2016 and holds some of the museum's most famous aircraft. You can walk through a Concorde, one of only four on display outside Europe, the first jet-powered Air Force One, used by presidents from 1959 to 1996, and the Boeing 747 known as City of Everett, the first of its type to fly, in 1969. The Charles Simonyi Space Gallery houses the Space Shuttle Full Fuselage Trainer, used to prepare shuttle astronauts, with guided tours inside for an extra fee.
Plan for at least three or four hours, and a full day if you want to see everything and go inside the aircraft. Check the museum's website for opening hours and tickets before you go, as they are not listed here. The museum suits families, aviation fans and anyone interested in engineering, and the scale of the exhibits impresses even visitors with no special interest in planes.
Getting there is easiest by car or taxi, as it is on East Marginal Way beside the airfield. If you are travelling by public transport, check the King County Metro trip planner for buses. The museum works well as a stop on the way to or from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is a short drive further south.
The Museum of Flight FAQs
Where is The Museum of Flight?
It is at 9404 East Marginal Way, at the southern end of Boeing Field, south of downtown Seattle.
Can you go inside the aircraft?
Yes. Visitors can walk through Concorde, the first jet Air Force One and the first Boeing 747, in the Aviation Pavilion.
What is the Red Barn?
It is Boeing's original manufacturing plant, built in 1909 and moved to the museum site, which now covers early aviation history.
Is there anything about space?
Yes. The Charles Simonyi Space Gallery holds the Space Shuttle Full Fuselage Trainer, with guided interior tours for an extra fee.
How long should you allow?
Allow at least three to four hours, and a full day to see everything.
Is it good for children?
Yes. The large aircraft and walk-through exhibits appeal to families with children of most ages.
How do you get there?
It is easiest by car or taxi. For buses, use the King County Metro trip planner.
Where can you check opening hours?
Check the museum's official website before your visit.