The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s second location in Virginia boasts hangars full of aviation history.
All about the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Opened in 2003, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center serves as a partner facility to the National Air and Space Museum. The two locations together attract more than 8 million visits per year, making the National Air and Space complex the most popular museum in the United States.
For aviation enthusiasts young and old, the Udvar-Hazy Center is just plain cool. The expansive museum consists of two hangars – the Boeing Aviation Hangar and the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar – which house dozens of aircraft and spacecraft. Some of the most notable include the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde and the space shuttle Discovery. The Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar has an observation overlook, allowing visitors to see the preservation and restoration work underway by the Museum’s collections staff.
Things to do at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The aircraft and spacecraft hanging overhead would be impressive enough, but the Udvar-Hazy Center also offers thousands of additional artifacts to view and many interactive, family friendly exhibits and activities. Prepare to take off and explore Sport Aviation, World War II Aviation, Space Science, and more. Talk to the Museum’s docents, who are stationed throughout the exhibit space both in person and via web conferencing, and ready to answer your questions and share the stories of the Museum’s collection. Enhance your experience with a giant screen film in the Airbus IMAX Theater (open Wednesday – Sunday), a simulator ride, or virtual reality experience. Before departure, browse the museum store and take home unique aviation and space themed souvenirs.
Visiting the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Regular hours are 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, located at 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway in Chantilly, Va., just minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport. The center can be reached by car via I-66 or the Dulles Toll Road. See detailed directions. On-site parking is available for $15 and is free for vehicles that arrive after 4 p.m. The center can also be reached via Metro. Take the Silver Line to the Wiehle-Reston East station and transfer to the Fairfax Connector Bus No. 983. The bus stops directly in front of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
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