The Museum of Flight (MOF) is the largest independent, non-profit, air and space museum in the world. The museum features over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, tens of thousands of artifacts, millions of rare photographs, and a world-class research library.
During your visit, you can wander the galleries and talk with the docents—expert volunteers who can enhance the experience as you explore the historically significant aircraft, space craft, and aviation artifacts and learn about the history of flight. MOF also offers special events throughout the year to inspire and encourage your understanding of science, technology and the humanities.
The Flight Restoration Center in Everett at Paine Field is where aircraft destined for the museum are restored. During a tour of the MOF Restoration Center, you can get a close-up view of this labor of love and talk to volunteers on site.
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Museum of Flight aircraft gallery – DepositPhotos.com
History of the Museum of Flight
In 1964, a small group of aviation enthusiasts established the Pacific Northwest Aviation Historical Foundation to save significant aircraft and related artifacts and in 1965, the first official Museum of Flight exhibits were put on display at Seattle Center.
In 1975, the Boeing Red Barn–the birthplace of The Boeing Company–was floated by barge from its original location on the Duwamish River to the new MOF location in south Seattle. The Red Barn was restored in 1983 and became the first permanent facility for The Museum of Flight. The Red Barn was joined in 1987 by the Great Gallery.
In 2002, the Library and Archives Building was added and in 2004 the J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing and Airpark. The Museum of Flight continues to expand, adding experiences and educational programs that detail the history of flight to inspire, educate, and entertain visitors.
Visiting the Museum of Flight (MOF)
MOF exhibits historically significant artifacts and strives to be the foremost educational air and space museum in the world, providing research and programs that inspire an interest in science, technology, and the humanities.
Where: Located about 15 minutes south of downtown Seattle. Museum of Flight, 9404 East Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108. Free parking is available at the Museum entries on the east and west sides of East Marginal Way.
Parking: Free parking lots are located between the East and West campsues, on either side of East Marginal Way.
Hours: Open daily 10AM-5PM, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Regular admission: Adult (18+) $26. Senior (65+) $22. Youth (5-17) $18. Child (4 and under) FREE. Museum Members FREE. Non-English speaking visitors may wish to rent an audio guide, available in English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, and Russian.
Free and discount admission to MOF
- FREE general admission to everyone every First Thursday.
- FREE admission to miliary via Blue Star program.
- FREE admission to museum members, plus other benefits. Pays for itself in four museum visits.
- FREE admission with a Seattle Public Library Museum Pass (spl.org) or King County Library Museum Pass (kcls.org).
- DISCOUNT admission for return visit when you come back on another day.
- DISCOUNT Aviator Membership to families who receive any form of public or government assistance.
- DISCOUNT admission for other select groups (such as ASTC Passport, BECU, EBT card/Museums For All, Foster Family, Gold Card/Ageless Seattle).
- DISCOUNT admission with CityPASS Seattle ticket package.
More info: The Museum of Flight website
![U.S. Navy Blue Angels at Seattle Museum of Flight photo by Mate 2nd Class Eli J. Medellin. [Public domain]](https://www.greaterseattleonthecheap.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/U.S.-Navy-Blue-Angels-at-Seattle-Museum-of-Flight-photo-by-Mate-2nd-Class-Eli-J.-Medellin.-Public-domain.jpg)
U.S. Navy Blue Angels at Seattle Museum of Flight for Seafair photo by Mate 2nd Class Eli J. Medellin. [Public domain]
Annual events at Museum of Flight in Seattle
These are some of the special events you might not want to miss that happen every year at the Museum of Flight. For more information about these and other MOF events: Calendar of Events | The Museum of Flight
Mother’s Day: FREE admission for moms. All moms when accompanied by their kids of any age who pay regular admission. MOF membership also makes a great gift. You might also like: Mother’s Day gift ideas and things to do – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
Memorial Day: FREE admission for military and veterans. Memorial Day commemorates the lives of loved ones and strangers who gave the last full measure of devotion in service to their country. FREE admission for active-duty military and veterans on Memorial Day. You might also like: Memorial Day Weekend events – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
Father’s Day: FREE admission for dads. FREE to all dads when accompanied by their kids of any age who pay regular admission. MOF membership also makes a great gift. You might also like: Father’s Day ideas for gifts and things to do – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
Seafair Weekend: Jet Blast Bash outdoor festival featuring Blue Angels. “Jet Blast Bash” is the Museum’s annual Seafair Weekend outdoor festival-by-the-flight line. Expect fast planes, music, food, and a beer garden with the closest seats in Seattle to the thunder of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ takeoffs and landings. On Saturday and Sunday over Seafair Weekend (1st Sunday in August), enjoy family activities and crafts, car show, live music and DJs tunes, special guests, and more. Museum admission required for this outdoor event. Because the event takes place in the main parking lot, free onsite parking is limited. Public transit or ride share is recommended. More info: Jet Blast Bash | The Museum of Flight. You might also like:
- Where to see the Blue Angels for free Seafair Weekend – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
- Seafair signature events and community festivals – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
- Seattle Seafair history: 1950 to present day – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
Halloween fun at Museum of Flight. Celebrate Halloween aviation style when the Museum of Flight transforms into The Museum of FRIGHT. In the Museum galleries, you’ll find Halloween carnival-style games and activities to spark imagination, innovation, and get in the Halloween spirit. Design and build soaring, swooping, and spooky fliers below a high-flying glider, hop through an obstacle course under the Blackbird, and encounter other frightful surprises. Discount (in-person only): Kids 17 and under IN costume can enjoy FREE admission. More info: Calendar of Events | The Museum of Flight. You might also like: Free and cheap Halloween events around Puget Sound – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
Veterans Day: FREE admission for military and veterans. Honoring all of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, past and present. FREE Admission for all veterans and activity-duty military. You might also like: Veterans Day parades and commemorative events – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
Santa Claus visits Museum of Flight. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus make a special visit to MOF each year to meet with children and families and hear their wishes for the holiday season. Spaces are limited! Reservations are required. You might also like:
- Where to get pictures with Santa Claus – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
- Christmas light displays around the Puget Sound region – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
For more information about these and other MOF events: Calendar of Events | The Museum of Flight
Tour the Museum of Flight Restoration Center in Everett
The Museum of Flight Restoration Center and Reserve Collection in Everett at Paine Field is located 25 miles north of Seattle. The 23,000 square-foot facility is where aircraft acquired by the Museum of Flight are restored. The Museum typically acquires 2-4 new aircraft each year and has ongoing restorations of about 12 additional major historical artifacts. During a tour of the MOF Restoration Center, you can get a look at the labor that goes into aircraft restoration and get a chance to talk to volunteers on site.
Due to limited staffing, the Restoration Center and Reserve Collection is closed until further notice (last checked May 2024). More info: Aircraft Restoration | The Museum of Flight
You might also like: Ultimate guide to museums in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
Calendar of car shows, air shows, and train events
The following events on our calendar include car shows, air shows, train excursions and other car, aviation, and train events around the Puget Sound region.
