The National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Located near Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center serves as the companion facility to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Its massive hangars house thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, an SR-71 Blackbird, and the Enola Gay. Visitors can explore interactive displays, watch restoration work in progress, and enjoy panoramic views of airport traffic from the observation tower.

History

Opened to the public in 2003, the Udvar-Hazy Center was named after benefactor Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, a prominent aviation entrepreneur. The center was designed to house large artifacts that could not be displayed at the National Mall location, providing an expansive space for the collection of aviation and space history.

Expert notes

• Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
• Check the schedule for special events or exhibitions before your visit.
• Consider purchasing tickets for IMAX films in advance.

Features

• Cafeteria
• Gift shop
• IMAX theater
• Observation tower