Aviation history started in earnest a little more than a hundred years ago. Before that, it was all about balloons and people jumping off cliffs while flapping wooden wings. Aviation surged immensely, and many of the vehicles it produced ended up in museums. Here are some of the best that you can (and should) visit.
1. Musée de l’air et de l’espace
This museum is located just north of Paris, at Le Bourget airport. It was inaugurated in 1919, just after the Great War. One of the oldest such museums in the world, it occupies 150,000 square meters and has a lot more to show than just airplanes. Some of the materials date back to the 16th century. Others might be a nuclear missile.
The airplane displays are themed around periods. You can see aircraft that pre-date WWI, as well as Farman Goliath, the WWI bomber that was late to the war – but gave a good boost to civil aviation. You’ll also have a peek at the V-1 flying bomb, the Skyraider (of “dropped a toilet on Vietnam” fame), not one but two Concordes (remember those?) and the adorable Breguet Atlantic.
Was Your Flight Disrupted?
Turn your delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight into a compensation up to €600!
2. State Aviation Museum, Ukraine
This museum, located near Kyiv, is a lot younger than the French one. However, even if it opened in 2003, it features a remarkable collection that includes many designs from the legendary Antonov Design Bureau, such as the An-2, An-24, An-26, and even the giant An-124 Ruslan.
On the grounds of the museum, one can almost see the evolution of such lines of planes like MiG and Su, or the Mil Mi helicopter line. Yes, there’s even the Mil Mi-26, which, more than any other helicopter, represents man’s victory over common sense (as nothing that big should ever fly). Il-76, the world’s favorite heavy freighter, is also present.
3. National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution – or NASM, if you like your museum names to sound like a piece of military equipment – is the most visited museum in the US and the third most visited museum in the world. All I’m saying is that you should probably go see it.
NASM displays both civilian and military artifacts, as well as many exhibits from the space race. The list includes the Apollo 11 command module, the Spirit of St. Louis, SpaceShip 1, the Lockheed U-2 and about 2000 of smaller items.
4. Temora Aviation Museum, Australia
Anyone interested in aviation history should visit the Temora Aviation Museum in New South Wales, Australia. Its collection focuses on airworthy historic aircraft, which sets it apart from other museums. As a result, visitors frequently get to see the planes take to the skies on special flying days.
The museum is particularly well-known for its impressive collection of WWII aircraft, which includes the Spitfire and the Australian-built CAC Boomerang. These aircraft have been meticulously preserved and flown. Temora stands out because of this living museum experience, which provides a unique opportunity to see history come to life.
5. Militärhistorisches Museum Flugplatz Berlin-Gatow
This unpronounceable mess serves as the Berlin branch of the Bundeswehr Military History Museum. It mainly documents the military history of the German aviation, with the museum displaying 200,000 items, including 155 airplanes, 5,000 uniforms, and 30,000 books. Many WWI planes are reproductions, but the examples of planes flown by West and East Germany are genuine.
Among gliders (the Germans seem to be particularly enamored with engine-less flight), you’ll find repros of WWI planes of all sides, conversions of WWII planes (mostly from Spanish licensed copies) and things like Messerschmitt Me 163, which killed more Nazis than it ever did Allies. The Cold War display contains the melange of planes that were in use during the period, from the English Electric Lightning (best-named plane ever) and Canberra to the freaky Italian Fiat G-91 R4. You can also see all the helicopters that the Soviets ever let the Ossies play with… and an An-2.
6. Kakamigahara Aerospace Science Museum, Japan
Japan’s aviation and space achievements are fascinatingly displayed at the Kakamigahara Aerospace Science Museum in Gifu Prefecture. The museum highlights Japan’s contributions to flight, from early experimental aircraft to contemporary jets and rockets, and is situated in an area with a thriving aerospace industry.
In addition to interactive exhibits that make aviation and space science engaging for people of all ages, visitors can examine rare Japanese aircraft that are hard to find elsewhere. For anyone interested in Japan’s contribution to aerospace innovation, the museum is a must-visit because of its unique combination of history, technology, and educational experiences.
Was Your Flight Disrupted?
Turn your delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight into a compensation up to €600!
7. Imperial War Museum Duxford
Now this baby provides the NASM experience for those people who don’t want to fly to the US. So visit the Brexit-lands and go see this place. Located in a characteristically inconvenient spot for budget travelers, it hosts over 200 planes, as well as a collection of military vehicles.
While you walk between the 5 hangars and other exhibits, you can expect to witness historic planes like Consolidated PBY Catalina taking off from the single functional runway. It also one the places where you can see a Concorde (a test model) – and climb aboard! You can also gaze in amazement at a Short Sunderland (my favorite flying boat), a Eurofighter Typhoon, and others. The American Air Museum is one of the few places where you can find a bonafide SR-71 Blackbird!
However, no matter which historical place you decide to visit, you can still fall prey to flight disruptions. Delays, cancellations, and overbooking can all ruin your day. However, you can still claim flight compensation via Skycop. Once your plans are back on track, you might want to explore destinations like those featured in our guide to 5 spots in Greece to visit in 2019. Who knows, you might get up to €600 in compensation, which can then be meaningfully invested in a museum gift shop!
