National Air And Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Wow! That's a common statement from visitors when they enter the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Located near Washington Dulles International Airport, the Udvar-Hazy Center is a must-see destination in Fairfax County.
The Boeing Aviation Hangar has nearly 200 aircraft on display, including an Air France Concorde, the last remaining World War I-era Sopwith Camel that was built by the Sopwith Company, the largest collections of Japanese and German World War II aircraft in the world, helicopters, commercial and private airplanes, and more.
Any "space geek" that steps into the McDonnell Space Hangar will feel like a kid in a candy store when they get up close to the Center's collection of space artifacts, including Space Shuttle Discovery, the Apollo 11 Mobile Quarantine Facility, space suits, rockets, satellites, and space toys (just to mention a few things.
The Museum also has a restoration hangar with an overlook for watching the conservation work underway on a number of artifacts, including the B-26 Maurader Flak Bait, which flew more missions than any other American plane during World War II.
The Udvar-Hazy Center is open daily from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Please visit their website for additional information on visiting.
Food: The museum offers food service in the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center with a Shake Shack restaurant, open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The restaurant will serve all the Shake Shack favorites including burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, fries, frozen custard, shakes, and coffee. That includes two Udvar-Hazy exclusives, the Constellation Crunch Concrete and Out of This World Shake. In addition, pre-packaged salads and sandwiches are available as a quick pick option.
Parking is $15 per car; free for vehicles arriving on the grounds after 4:00 pm. Same-day re-entry is permitted for visitors who wish to leave the grounds. They will need to pay at a staffed booth - and ask for a receipt to avoid a second parking charge. The 30-minute grace period for pickups and drop-offs will continue to be honored and parking is free for buses. Credit card payment will be accepted at the exit gates, as well as at the pay stations inside the Center. Cash payments must be made at one of the two staffed exit gates (far right side). Please note that receipts are only available at the staffed exit gates.
Prepare for your Visit
Download a Museum floor plan. This will help you navigate the Museum.
Dress comfortably.
Minimize your carry-ons. All bags will continue to be checked.
Water is permitted in the Museum and we have water bottle filling stations located in the building. All other food and beverages must be consumed outside.
Photos for personal use are welcome and we encourage you to share them. However, Smithsonian policy prohibits the use of tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks.
If you can't visit in person, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum invites you to explore their Air and Space Anywhere digital portal from the comfort of your own home.
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is the second location of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. Together, they hold the world’s largest aviation and space collection. The Udvar-Hazy Center is located south of the Washington Dulles International Airport's runways, and contains rare artifacts of aerospace like planes, rockets, and satellites. Some of the highlights include the Space Shuttle Discovery, an SR-71 Blackbird, and the Enola Gay. Check their calendar of events to see their virtual activities. Open every day except December 25 from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm Admission is FREE but parking costs $15 before 4:00 pm. Parking is free for vehicles arriving AFTER 4:00 pm.
