National Museum of World War II Aviation

Honoring the Past...Building the Future

The National Museum of World War II Aviation documents the role that aviation played in the emergence of our nation as a global power during the Second World War.  Through its aircraft collection, artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays, the museum tells the story of our nation’s tremendous technological advancements during the war and describes the lasting social and economic changes that were essential to the success of the Allied war effort.

Since 2012, the National Museum of World War II Aviation has made great strides in developing its exhibit program and assembling one of the largest collections of fully restored, flying World War II aircraft in the world - 29 in total!  In 2017, this world-class museum was recognized by Congress as “America’s National World War II Aviation Museum,” and is currently TripAdvisor’s #8 Top Attraction in the United States as voted on by travelers.  Since then, the museum has rapidly gained the support of aviation industry leaders and educators who share the museum’s primary mission—inspiring future generations through the incredible story of World War II aviation.

The Museum Today

The National Museum of World War II Aviation is located on a 21-acre campus in the northwest corner of the Colorado Springs Airport.  With nearly 150,000 square feet under roof, the museum complex encompasses three aircraft display hangars, five exhibit galleries, two volunteer workshops, and nearly four acres of aircraft parking apron.  The museum also features a state-of-the-art World War II aircraft restoration facility that is open to the public as part of the museum’s tour program.  This interactive experience gives visitors an opportunity to see restoration work in progress and learn about the technologies and craftsmanship that went into the design and construction of World War II aircraft.  

The National Museum of World War II Aviation's multi-faceted exhibit program presents the story of World War II Aviation in ways that are engaging and enlightening for all ages and levels of understanding—from the casual visitor to the most avid aviation expert.  The museum is open to the public seven days a week during the peak season and is consistently rated among the top tourist destinations in the U.S.

Our Core Mission-Education

While the National Museum of World War II Aviation is a world-class history museum, its primary mission is aviation education.  The guiding principle of the museum’s education program is to capture students' imaginations early in their educational journey and open pathways for them to explore the possibilities of a career in aviation.

Education Programs

The starting point for most students is the museum’s K-12 Programs. The museum has expanded its K-12 educational offerings by adding a social studies program to complement its STEM program, which has reached more than 28,000 students since its inception. Additionally, the museum offers an internship program with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Engineering School, engaging monthly lectures, and fly days. Our goal is to ensure future generations understand the sacrifices and achievements of the World War II era.

This highly successful K-12 program has served more than 28,000 students since its inception, and dozens of college students have completed museum internships. Both programs are fully funded by the museum and offered at no cost to students or their schools.

We Need Your Support

The National Museum of World War II Aviation operates sustainably. Ongoing operation and development of the museum is fully funded through revenues generated at the museum and donations from people who support our mission.

The museum needs support in two areas--funding for the museum's collection, exhibits, and programs, and capital funding for the museum's expansion plans.

Capital Development Program:  In 2019, the museum completed Phase I of its capital development program, a 40,000 square foot aircraft display hangar that houses the museum's aircraft and exhibit program.  In August 2025, the museum broke ground on our Pavilion Project Phase II expansion. The 40,000 square foot, $9 million expansion is a monumental step forward, bringing the total hangar space to nearly 200,000 square feet. It will allow us to expand our aircraft collection and exhibits, preserve more invaluable artifacts, and enhance educational experiences for visitors of all ages. Additionally, the hangar expansion will free up space to develop the Airframe & Powerplant School, which will provide aviation career pathways for students and veterans interested in pursuing aircraft maintenance or production careers.