Last updated: 4/22/2012
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Address
1341 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23457
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social networks:
Services
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Gift Shop
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Special Event Rental
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Group Tours
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Staff
The Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest private collections of World War One and World War Two era military aircraft in the world. Each has been beautifully restored to its prior military condition, using original parts whenever possible. Most of the planes are airworthy and flown at the museum during flight demonstrations and at air shows throughout the year.
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The museum is constantly growing as we add new aircraft and aviation-related ground equipment to our collection. Come often and share our love for military aviation history. Take a personal tour with one of our many volunteer docents who are well-versed in the personal history of each aircraft. Attend our monthly hangar talks,semi-annual air shows, and many other special events throughout the year.
The Military Aviation Museum was born from the owner’s passion for WWII era aircraft, and over the years, it has grown to a living history museum that rivals any other of its kind in the world.
The first aircraft was the Curtiss P40 salvaged from the tundra in Siberia, Russia. Each aircraft, whether salvaged in pieces, found derelict in an old barn, or purchased from another museum’s collection, has been meticulously restored by military aviation engineers and experts.
Over the years, the museum has grown from a small, private grass airfield in the Pungo community of southern Virginia Beach to a complex of three museum hangars and a maintenance hangar, with more construction underway.
The museum is located at the Virginia Beach Airport, a private-use airfield that was begun by four local pilots in 1969 under the name Atlantic Air Park. Their original vision included a runway, hotel, restaurant, a small terminal, and multiple hangars. Plans were soon scrapped and much of the land was returned to agriculture. The runway did remain active and was used for crop dusting planes and banner planes. Early in the twenty-first century, the current owner purchased the property and began planning the museum.
In 2010, the museum also replicated its Fighter Factory maintenance facility from Suffolk to the museum property. During the normal work week, museum visitors can take a guided tour of the Fighter Factory and see the team of aircraft maintenance technicians performing regular maintenance and minor restoration work on the various planes.
The museum is in the process of erecting an original WWII hangar purchased in Germany. This metal hangar was built at the Cottbus Army Air Field in Cottbus, Germany (southeast of Berlin) in 1934. Once open, it will house the museum’s Luftwaffe aircraft.
Also under construction is a tower…
Group Tours
Take a journey back in time to when aircraft were spectacular and learn why these heroes never let us down. The Military Aviation Museum displays and owns the largest flying collection of WWI and WWII Military Aircraft in the U.S.A. Hear the stories and learn about the contributions of the men and women of aviation to our country. Meet and interact with a Veteran Pilot or Rosie the Riveter. Don’t forget the option to add a World War II boxed lunch set amongst the historic aircraft.
The Military Aviation Museum displays and provides a permanent home for a large number of Second World War and earlier vintage flying aircraft. The Museum’s ongoing mission is to preserve, restore, and fly these historic aircraft and to give a new generation the experience to learn what their fathers, grandfathers, and great grandfathers might have endured on the lonely airfields and in the skies so very far from home.
For the young (or young at heart), enjoy a Scavenger Hunt – look for hidden clues of nose art and aviation decals. Sketch or crayon cartoons of our Warbirds. Tours can be arranged for all ages. Scout troops will be able to work on their scouting aviation merit badges.
Military Aviation Museum Library
The Military Aviation Museum Library houses a collection of printed materials related to propeller driven military aircraft from World War I, World War II, and the Korean Conflict. The library is an integral part of the museum and is located within the museum space at the Virginia Beach Airport. Donations are accepted if they are relevant to the collection and meet the library's collection development guidelines.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: No
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Wheelchair Accessible
Plan Your Special Event With Us
Whether you are planning a military retirement ceremony, family reunion, wedding reception or organization fundraiser, hold it at the Military Aviation Museum. The main museum features two floors of exhibit space with an art deco décor flanked by dual hangars. A warming kitchen is available for the caterer of your choosing.
The new 15,000 sq. ft. World War One hangar is a wide open space also available for private functions. Barring inclement weather, many of the aircraft can be moved outside onto the tarmac to make room for tables and chairs while still allowing yourguests to enjoy them. Individual aircraft may be rented to perform at your event making several low-flying passes perfect for photo opportunities.
Take Home a Piece of History
The museum gift shop is a great place to explore all things military aviation. Books, souvenirs, posters, clothing, education items, toys and more. ---- Order the October 2011 Biplanes & Triplanes Souvenir
Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Group Tours
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