Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Tours

National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center showing interior views and aircraft
Perform 360-degree barrel rolls in flight simulators and see exhibits tracing the evolution of aviation at this educational center.

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is the companion facility of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Comprised of three huge hangars, the museum explores the history of aviation and spaceflight through displays of more than 3,000 artifacts and archival materials. See famous air and spacecraft like the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. From the center’s observation tower observe modern planes leaving from and arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport.

The center was opened in 2003 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight. It displays more than 300 air and spacecraft models, as well as other exhibits that the main museum on the National Mall is unable to accommodate. Look for the Enola Gay, the B-29 plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, in the World War II Aviation exhibit. Stand in the glassed-in mezzanine of the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar to watch specialists repair and preserve artifacts from the center’s collection.

Head to the top of the 164-foot-tall (50-meter) Donald D. Engen Observation Tower for fantastic 360-degree views of Washington Dulles International Airport. The tower also displays replicas of air traffic control equipment, similar to those used in a functioning airport control tower.

Pay an extra fee to try out one of the center’s simulators. Experience simulations of air-to-air combat in an F-4 Phantom II jet fighter or take a tour of the International Space Station. Aviation and space-related movies are screened at the Airbus IMAX Theater. The center regularly hosts engaging lectures, demonstrations and talks.

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located on the property of Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, about a 40-minute drive from Washington, D.C. To get here, take the Metro Silver Line to Wiehle-Reston East station and transfer to a bus bound for the center. Admission is free, but parking requires a fee. Marvel at the rapid progression of air and space travel technology as you explore the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

Reviews of Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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" "5 - Excellent 59.80952380952381%
4 - Good
270
" "4 - Good 25.714285714285715%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 11.333333333333334%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 2.2857142857142856%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0.8571428571428571%

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Jan 8, 2020

half of the museum was closed and it was a very busy time for them to close

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Nov 12, 2019

They were doing renovations so the area to view was very limited.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Nov 10, 2019

Crowded and geared to interactive displays for children.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Nov 8, 2019

Under extreme construction. Many exhibits closed

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Nov 4, 2019

Half of the museum was closed for renovations. Bit of a bummer.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Oct 30, 2019

Much of it is closed due to renovations, October 2019

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