The Museum of Flight is a private non-profit air and space museum in the northwest United States. It is located in the city of Tukwila, just south of Seattle, Washington. It was established in 1965 and is fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is the largest private air and space museum in the entire world. It also hosts the largest K-12 educational programs in the world.
Each year more than 400,000 people visit the museum. It serves more than 140,000 students yearly through its onsite programs: a Challenger Learning Center, an Aviation Learning Center, and a summer camp, as well as outreach programs that travel throughout Washington and Oregon.
What to See There
The Museum has one of the most impressive air and space collections in the United States, which includes of rare photographs and negatives, a world-class library, tens of thousands of artifacts, and over 150 rare aircraft and space vehicles. It showcases its collection in unique and inspiring exhibits.
Flight Simulators
Flight Simulator
Experience flight without leaving the ground in a variety of flight simulator experiences. The all-new i360 flight simulators offer state-of-the-art motion control and high-performance visuals and sound. They immerse riders in realism and awe. It is a fully interactive and intensely fun experience where a “pilot” and “gunner” can engage in simulated air combat via individual joystick controls. You can chose from 9 different aircraft, from WWI, WWII and modern jets! You’ll experience 360° rolls in this thrilling ride.
For Young Pilots – The Voyager Simulator
Located in the Flight Zone, the Voyager Simulator is aimed at the 4-11 age range with automatic mode or manually using the onboard joystick. The Voyager is fitted with stereo sound, widescreen monitor, and flashing lights.
The Tower at Boeing Field
Boeing Field Tower
This interactive exhibit engages visitors in how air traffic controllers keep air travelers safe in the skies and the airports. Visitors learn to appreciate how pilots communicate and work with people on the ground to navigate through traffic at airports and stay safely separated from other airplanes. Visitors are able to view the King County International Airport (KCIA) airfield from the best vantage point in the Museum. They can also hear the KCIA air traffic controllers and pilots as they approach and land at the airport.
Journey to Space – 3D Movie
Watch the 3D IMAX(R) documentary, “Journey to Space.” The film vividly tells the story of the next chapter of space exploration. It showcases NASA’s plans for future spaceflight, especially for long missions to Mars. Viewers are led on this journey by narrator Patrick Stewart, and by young new astronauts that might someday walk on another planet. “Journey to Space” so closely compliments the Museum’s Spaceflight Academy fun approach to shuttle history and future spaceflight, it will be screened throughout every day for a nominal admission of $2 general and $1 for Museum Members.
Shuttle Trainer Tours
This exclusive 30 minute tour of the Space Shuttle Trainer Crew Compartment will allow visitors to receive a safety briefing and history overview and then step aboard the Space Shuttle Trainer where our Astronauts trained for every Space Shuttle mission. Visitors will spend approximately 20 minutes exploring both levels of the Crew Compartment. After the tour, all participants will receive a commemorative keychain to signify that you have completed your training experience. To ensure the best experience, tours are limited to 6 participants.
You can purchase general admission tickets and other ticket categories online at www.museumofflight.org.
Contact the Museum
The Museum of Flight
- Address: 9404 East Marginal Way South Seattle, WA 98108-4097
- Phone: 206-764-5700
- Fax: 206-764-5707
Directions and Parking at Museum of Flight
BY CAR:
Via the South:
- Take Exit 158 from I-5.
- Merge onto S. Boeing Access Rd. I-5 3. Turn right onto E. Marginal Way S.
Via the North:
- Take Exit 158 from I-5.
- Merge onto S. Boeing Access Rd. toward E. Marginal Way
- Turn right onto E. Marginal Way S.
- The Museum is on the right, 1/2 mile.
BY BUS:
From either downtown or Tukwila Station, take METRO Bus #124.
The bus makes a stop directly in front of the Museum.
Free parking is available adjacent to the Museum and other nearby locations (refer to MAP). All school buses and tour buses please park in the Overflow lot.
Directions to Overflow lot:
- From the Museum drive South on E. Marginal Way S.
- Turn right on S 102nd St.
- After the bridge, take the first left. The lot will be on your left.
The Overflow lot is approximately 4 minutes by car and about 15 minutes on foot.