Pima Air and Space Museum

Open since 1976, the Pima Air and Space Museum offers a 200-acre home to more than 300 of the most important aircrafts in aviation history and 125,000 artifacts. This size and diversity of the museum's collection is second only to the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum collection. The Museum grounds offer visitors a chance to walk among the giants of aviation heritage, including military, commercial, and civil aviation. Among them are a B-29 Superfortress, the SR-71 Blackbird, and a rare World War II German V-1 "buzz bomb."

The Museum is run by volunteers who have first-hand knowledge of many of the planes on display. With more than 150,000 visitors annually, the Museum offers tours of the world's largest military aircraft storage facility at the Aerospace Maintenance Regeneration Group (AMARG) located on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

Located in the Dorothy Finley Space Gallery, you’ll find the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame. Here you’ll have an opportunity to learn about noteworthy Arizona aviators. Established in 1985, the Hall of Fame is a permanent shrine to Arizonans who have played a role in or made a significant contribution to aviation and aerospace history. Honorees include: former United States Senator Barry Goldwater, astronaut Frank Borman and Doolittle Raider David "Davey" Jones.

The Museum collection also includes President John F. Kennedy's Air Force One, and presidential aircraft used by presidents Nixon and Johnson. In all, there are five large hangars totaling more than 177,000 feet of exhibit space. There are many indoor and outdoor areas to explore at the Pima Air and Space Museum, any aviation enthusiast is sure to enjoy this massive collection of our nation’s honorable history.  Check out the Museum website for current information on special events and volunteer opportunities. Enjoy your visit!

- by Jennifer Pruett, Phoenix Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.