Palm Springs Air Museum
Once you visit, you’ll understand why this small non-profit flying museum, funded mainly by donations from the general public, made the list of the Top 5 Aviation Museums in the US.
There is always something new at the Palm Springs Air Museum, where history flies through the skies, and no ropes hold visitors back from vintage World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Operation Desert Storm aircraft. Over 75 flyable and static airframes are on display inside five climate-controlled hangars totaling 91,000 square feet, and in front and back of the museum. The newest arrivals are the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter and a restored B-29 nose/cockpit.
HANGARS
The hangars are organized by theme, and related displays line the walls.
- The B-17 Hangar contains the café, children’s area, and the B-29 cockpit.
- The European (Army) Hangar has the Tuskegee Airmen Mural, the Spitfire, P-40, P-47, a flying P-63 Kingcobra, two flying P-51 Mustangs, and the D-Day Gliders and Women Pilots of WWII displays.
- The Pacific (Navy) Hangar has the Pearl Harbor diorama narrated by Tom Brokaw, ships, the Grumman “cats” (Hellcat, Bearcat, Wildcat, and Tigercat), the Corsair, the Dauntless, and the Japanese surrender display. Along the south wall is the new Walt Disney Archives Display, featuring items from inside Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I airplane. The Grumman’s exterior was restored, and the interior is being restoration. Ask at the Giftshop for the current location of the Disney plane – it does vary!
- The Korea/Vietnam Hangar has the POW Bracelet display, Presidential experience, Lear Jets, F-86, F-100, F-102, F-104 and the F-4 Phantom II.
- The F-117A Hangar includes the newest F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter with wall displays on stealth technology.
LIBRARY
A 12,500-volume research library and Education Center with flight simulators are on the 2nd floor above the main lobby, accessible by elevator and stairs.
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Vintage warbird rides start at $195. For the most up to date info, visit www.palmspringsairmuseum.org/warbird-rides.
Open Cockpit Saturdays occur mornings year-round; live lectures and flight exhibitions occur afternoons November through April. Both are included with museum admission. Documentaries shown daily in the Ron Auen Theatre start at 11 am.
Annual signature events include the Props and Hops Craft Beer Festival in November; the Annual Gala honoring men and women of aviation and space; and the Memorial Day Flower Drop & Air Fair.
VISITING THE MUSEUM
Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the day our Gala is held in February.
Schools tour are free on weekdays. Friendly dogs on leash are welcome, and there is no charge to borrow a wheelchair or walker. Parking is free, as are kids 12 and under with paid adult admission.
The Museum is available for catered events and site rentals. Group rates and docent-led tours are available with two-week notice. Annual membership starts at $85 per year, and includes free admission for the year, plus discounted admission for friends and family. Active military with ID & immediate family are free. Visit www.PalmSpringsAirMuseum.org or call 760-778-6262 for information.