Sprawling across 75 acres in the southeast corner of the city, the Pima Air & Space Museum is a must-see Tucson sight. Its monumental collection of air and space craft is truly impressive, even if aviation and space history aren't normally your thing.
The privately funded museum is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The international collection ranges from historical planes like the replica of the Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer, to air and space vehicles that were technological milestones in their day.
Touring the Museum Inside and Out
Exhibits are arranged in several hangars as well as outdoors. If time is short, head straight for Hangar 1 South, known as the Spirit of Freedom Hangar. It houses many of the museum's most famous planes and rare aircraft. A favorite here is the oldest SR-71A Blackbird, a strategic reconnaissance plane which broke world speed and altitude records.
World War II aircraft are displayed in Hangar 3, including one of the last specimens of a German V-1 Buzz Bomb. Hangar 4 contains more exhibits from the Second World War, including many expertly restored planes, with a B-29 Superfortress taking pride of place.
You can learn about the restoration process and watch staff rebuilding historic planes in Hangar 5. Or walk through an original World War II barracks, where an array of aircraft models are on display. The 390th Memorial Museum contains artifacts and memorabilia, as well as a restored B-17G Flying Fortress bomber.
Exhibits in the Dorothy Finley Space Gallery range from a Goddard rocket to an Apollo space capsule to displays on the Space Race and outer space missions.
Outdoor Highlights
Spreading across the tarmac outside are a huge array of aircraft used in both war and peacetime. John F. Kennedy's Air Force One is a star attraction, as are the official planes used by presidents Johnson and Nixon.
A collection of civil and commercial craft balance the military planes dating from the Korean War to modern combat aircraft. Also here is the largest US bomber ever built, the B-36, an early symbol of might during the Cold War.
Guided Tours
Two free tours led by docents (volunteers) are included with admission. One tour covering museum highlights begins under the Wright Flyer in Hangar 1. The other covers World War II aviation and starts in Hangar 3. Both are held daily in the morning, as well as afternoons December-April. Check tour times by phone or online.
You can also take a one-hour tram tour of the outdoor exhibits, narrated by knowledgeable docents who have often served on some of the aircraft. There is an additional fee of $6 for this tour, and there are several tours daily.
Coach tours to the "Boneyard", the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) at the adjacent Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, also leave from the museum Monday-Friday (excluding holidays). Over 4,000 military aircraft are stored at the facility. There is an additional fee for the tour, and visitors must bring government-issued ID, such as a passport or driving license.
Tips for Visiting Pima Air & Space Museum
Wear comfortable shoes. If you tour only some of the hangars and outdoor exhibits, you can still end up walking miles. Visitors with health issues or those with young children should consider talking the tram tour to see the outdoor highlights.
Dress for the weather. From April through October, Tucson is hot, hot, hot, and the sun is strong year-round. Wear sunglasses and a hat, put on plenty of sunscreen, and bring a bottle of water.
If you want to cover all the exhibits, allow about half a day for your visit. The Flight Grill restaurant on site is open from 9.30am to 4.30 pm every day.
Visitor Information
The Pima Air & Space Museum is located at 6000 E. Valencia Road in Tucson. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Admission fees vary seasonally.
For more information visit the museum's website or tel: 520-574-0462.
Donna Dailey - Donna Dailey is an award-winning travel writer & photographer. Her work appears in newspapers, magazines, websites and guidebooks ...
