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Air and Space Museum Virginia : the story of aviation and space –
The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia is home to the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world, one of the popular destination for visitors from around the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The museum’s “How Things Fly” exhibit explores the science behind flight and features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experiment with the principles of flight.
The museum’s collection includes the famous Space Shuttle Discovery, the Enola Gay (the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima), and the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (the fastest jet ever built).
The center’s centerpiece is the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar, which houses the Space Shuttle Discovery, the prototype of the Boeing 707 jetliner, and the Gemini VII spacecraft.
Visitors can see aircraft from all eras of aviation, from the Wright Brothers’ 1903 Wright Flyer to modern jet fighters and airliners.
The center also features a giant screen theater, which shows a variety of films on aviation and space topics, as well as a planetarium that offers shows on the night sky and the universe.
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is named after its primary benefactor, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, a Hungarian-American aviation entrepreneur who co-founded the international aircraft leasing company, Air Lease Corporation.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the center also hosts a variety of temporary exhibits and special events throughout the year, including lectures, film screenings, and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.
The center is located adjacent to the Washington Dulles International Airport, and visitors can watch airplanes take off and land from the observation tower located on the top floor of the museum.