Michelle M.
Yelp
LOVED THIS PLACE.
Along a private air strip and owned by Boeing (or friends of Boeing), this is the largest private collection of aircraft.
I spent 3-4 hours here, barely read signs, and still wanted more time. This museum goes through the history of aviation (think Da Vinci, kites, early gliders, balloons) all the way through some space exhibits. It also features planes of different types (jet, prop, sea plane, helicopters). It was a wonderland!
One of the first galleries you may visit, you will get an appreciation for how much was done in the span of 30 years, from a tiny two-seater prop plane to a military fighter jet. It's incredible! Much of the staff appeared to be retired Boeing employees, and they are ecstatic to nerd out with you on everything you could ask about: material, ailerons, the marketing of the planes. It was a blast!
There are SEVERAL non-Boeing manufactured craft: a Messerschmidt, a few Russian crafts, one made by France, Northrop Grummans, etc. The Concorde was a highlight for me!
There were maybe five or so aircraft that you could board in their exterior exhibition space: Boeing 727, Air Force One (older Boeing 747), 747 "hump style", Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and the Concorde. Note: this is not an accessible experience for those with walking challenges. You board the planes using one of those stair options, and much of the seating is closed off using acrylic paneling, so it's very narrow inside.
TIPS:
- Bookable through City Pass
- Didn't see it all? Come back within 7 days at a greatly reduced rate to see more.
- There are tour map recommendations on what to do see for various visitation durations, but I recommend allotting 3-4 hours here.
- Make time to see the Concorde and Air Force One in the outside exhibition.
- Eat at the cafe to watch planes take off from the airstrip.
- Awesome gift shop with everything from Lego, Tuskegee, NASA, SeaTac, Rosies, Snoopy... lots of fun options in here!