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03/15/2004 Archived Entry: "The Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, VA"

Saturday I drove for a group visiting the newest Smithsonian museum, The National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, by the Dulles Airport in Chantilly, Virginia. The museum just opened in December 2003 and I was really looking forward to visiting it; this was my first time there.

It is a fascinating place. In one huge hangar are more than 80 air and space craft -- but it's not full yet! More than 300 aircraft are planned for the display over the next several years, so this will be an interesting return trip in the future. Already on display are such fascinating aircraft as a just-retired Air France Concorde jet (photo at right), a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (world's fastest jet at more than 2,000 MPH), and the Enterprise space shuttle. There are also Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space capsules, a prototype Boeing 707 airliner, the fully restored Enola Gay (the aircraft that dropped the first atomic bomb in World War II; photo below left), and dozens of smaller aircraft, from gliders to military jets. There are even a few helicopters, with more to come later this year. There is also an iMax Theater and an observation tower overlooking the Dulles airport runways.

It is one of the most visitor- and bus-friendly places I've seen. Buses unload right in front of the building; there are even seats outdoors for passengers to wait on their bus's return for pickup. Bus parking for up to 40 coaches is located just off the left end of the building. Admission to the museum is free so drivers as well as passengers can fully enjoy the museum. A large picnic area is at one end of the bus parking area, suitable for groups. While parking for cars costs $12, bus parking is free. Inside the museum, displays are well labeled, with wide aisles allowing hundreds of visitors access without feeling crowded. You can walk on the floor around the aircraft and on large catwalks above the aircraft where you can look down from above as well as observe the aircraft hanging from the ceiling. Elevators and ramps make it easy for those who have a problem with steps. Tour guides are available for walking tours of about two hours for groups. The only negative -- there isn't much to choose from in the way of food if you're spending the day here -- only a Subway restaurant inside the museum, so bring your lunch along if you don't want to wait a while for a sub. But overall it's a great place for a bus trip!

Replies: 1 Comment

I really want to go see this museum! I've heard about it from reading somewhere. Sounds awesome!

Posted by Jonathan @ 05/13/2004 08:46 PM EST