About Pima Air & Space Museum
Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the world’s largest independent aviation museums, with more than 400 aircraft displayed across six indoor exhibit hangars and extensive outdoor grounds. Its collection spans the development of powered flight from the early twentieth century to modern military, commercial, experimental, and space-related aviation, giving visitors an unusually broad look at how aircraft design and aerospace technology evolved.
The museum grew from a preservation effort begun in the 1960s as historically important aircraft at nearby Davis-Monthan Air Force Base were disappearing from storage. The present museum opened to the public on May 8, 1976, and has continued expanding its collection and facilities. Exhibits include major military and civilian aircraft, dedicated World War II hangars, the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, and the separately operated 390th Memorial Museum located on the grounds.
Visitors can walk through large indoor galleries and explore rows of aircraft outdoors, with optional tram, audio, simulator, and private-tour experiences available for additional fees. The scale and diversity of the collection make the museum especially worthwhile for travelers interested in military history, engineering, aviation, or the broader story of American aerospace development.
