Palm Springs Air Museum | Palm Springs

The Palm Springs Air Museum is a major aviation museum located in Palm Springs, California. It is dedicated to the preservation and display of historic aircraft, particularly from World War II, as well as other significant periods of U.S. military aviation. The museum’s mission is to educate the public about aviation history through the collection, restoration, and display of aircraft, while also honoring the service of veterans.

History and Background

The museum was founded in 1996 by Robert A. “Bob” Kline, a businessman and aviation enthusiast, with the aim of preserving the legacy of military aviation, particularly the aircraft that served during World War II. The museum’s collections have grown substantially since its founding, and it is now one of the most prominent aviation museums in the country.

Aircraft Collections and Exhibits

The Palm Springs Air Museum houses a vast collection of over 75 aircraft, ranging from the 1940s through to the War on Terror. The museum is spread across five hangars, each of which focuses on different aspects of aviation history, particularly military aircraft.

Pacific (Navy) Hangar

This hangar focuses on the aircraft used by the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II. It includes planes like the Grumman Avenger and Grumman Corsair, iconic aircraft from this period. One of the standout features of this hangar is the Pearl Harbor Diorama, which is narrated by renowned journalist Tom Brokaw.

European (Army) Hangar

This hangar highlights the aircraft used by the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater. Featured aircraft include the B-25 Mitchell Bomber, the P-47 Thunderbolt, and the P-51 Mustang. The hangar also pays tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces, and features exhibits on D-Day gliders and the role they played in the Allied invasion of Normandy.

B-17 Hangar

The B-17 Hangar is home to one of the museum’s signature aircraft, the B-17G “Miss Angela”. This iconic bomber played a key role during World War II in both Europe and the Pacific. The hangar also houses an F-16 flight simulator and the General Ken Miles Aviation Science Center, where visitors can learn about the science and technology behind aviation.

Korea and Vietnam Hangar

This section of the museum focuses on aircraft from the Korean War and the Vietnam War, two significant conflicts in U.S. military history. The hangar features aircraft used during these wars, including fighter jets and bombers, and includes the Korean War Remembrance Wall, which honors those who served in the conflict.

F-117A Hangar

The F-117A Hangar showcases the F-117A Nighthawk, a stealth aircraft used by the U.S. military during the War on Terror and the Gulf War. The museum has one of the very few F-117A aircraft on display, representing cutting-edge military aviation technology.

Special Exhibits and Notable Aircraft

In addition to the main collections, the museum features a number of special exhibits and noteworthy aircraft.

Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I: Known as “The Mouse,” this Gulfstream aircraft was used by Walt Disney. It is now part of the museum's collection, with elements of its original interior on display and artifacts loaned from the Walt Disney Archives.

Memphis Belle: The museum is home to a Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress, famously known as the Memphis Belle. This aircraft was one of the first B-17 bombers to complete 50 missions in World War II, and it inspired both a film and a famous wartime morale-boosting story. The aircraft is currently undergoing restoration.

Boeing Skyfox: The museum features the Boeing Skyfox, a unique experimental aircraft that was a prototype for the A-4 Skyhawk. It is the only prototype of this type on display in a static condition.

Warbird Rides

One of the most exciting offerings at the Palm Springs Air Museum is the opportunity to take a Warbird Ride. Visitors can fly in restored WWII aircraft, such as the P-51 Mustang or T-6 Texan, over the Coachella Valley. These rides offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the thrill of flight in a historic aircraft. Rides start at $195.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Gift Shop: The museum has a gift shop that offers a wide variety of aviation-related merchandise, including models, books, apparel, and souvenirs.

Library: The museum features a 12,700-volume research library, which includes books, aviation periodicals, and historical collections. The library is open to the public and also contains flight simulators, offering guests an interactive experience.

Warbird Café: The museum has a small café offering snacks and drinks for visitors, making it a great spot to relax after exploring the exhibits.

Accessibility: The museum is fully ADA-compliant, with wheelchair access and complimentary wheelchairs available for visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visitor Information

Location:
745 North Gene Autry Trail
Palm Springs, CA 92262

Conclusion

The Palm Springs Air Museum offers a rich, immersive experience for anyone interested in military aviation and the history of flight. With its extensive collection of aircraft, special exhibits, and exciting Warbird Rides, the museum is a must-see destination for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike. Whether you are exploring the aircraft, learning about the heroic men and women who flew them, or flying in one yourself, the Palm Springs Air Museum offers a memorable experience.