Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum | Denver

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is a premier aviation and aerospace museum located in Denver, Colorado, housed within the historic Hangar 1 of the former Lowry Air Force Base. It serves as a comprehensive cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, technology, and future of flight through an extensive collection of aircraft, spacecraft, interactive exhibits, and educational programs. The museum offers a rich experience for aviation enthusiasts, students, families, and the general public, blending history, science, and immersive technology.

Location and Facility

The museum is situated at 7711 East Academy Boulevard in Denver, occupying a large historic airplane hangar originally built in 1938. This hangar is a National Historic Landmark and was one of the first large-scale airplane hangars constructed in the United States. Its expansive open space allows for the display of a wide variety of aircraft and space-related artifacts in a setting that evokes the military aviation heritage of Lowry Air Force Base.

Collection and Exhibits

Wings Over the Rockies boasts a permanent collection of over 70 aircraft and spacecraft spanning different eras of aviation and space exploration. The museum’s collection is notable for its diversity, featuring military jets, helicopters, early experimental aircraft, space capsules, and replicas from popular culture.

Key exhibits include:

Military Aircraft: The museum features iconic military aircraft such as the Bell UH-1M Iroquois “Huey” helicopter used during the Vietnam War, various fighter jets including the F-4 Phantom and F-16 Fighting Falcon, and bombers that represent the evolution of air power.

Space Exploration: The “Space: A Journey to Our Future” exhibit immerses visitors in the story of human spaceflight. This includes authentic lunar and Martian rock samples, astronaut memorabilia, NASA mission artifacts, and interactive displays exploring current and future space technologies.

Star Wars™ Incom T-65 X-Wing Fighter: A ¾ scale replica of the famous X-Wing fighter from the Star Wars film series is on display. This exhibit includes autographed panels by the cast and crew, an interactive R2-D2 droid, and serves as a bridge between pop culture and real-world aerospace technology.

2theXtreme Math Exhibit: This hands-on, interactive exhibit connects the power of mathematics with real-world applications such as robotics, sports, design, and weather, making STEM subjects engaging and accessible to younger visitors.

Interactive Experiences and Education

Wings Over the Rockies is deeply committed to educational outreach and interactive learning. The museum offers:

MaxFlight Simulators: These are full-motion, 360-degree flight simulators that provide visitors with the experience of piloting aircraft. The simulators offer various scenarios including dogfights, formation flying, and passenger flights, catering to a range of skill levels and ages.

Flight Programs: The museum hosts programs for children and adults including cockpit tours, aviation career days, and “Little Wings” for preschoolers to explore airplanes and airport operations through play and guided activities.

Special Events: The museum regularly organizes events such as monthly fly-ins at Centennial Airport, aircraft restoration demonstrations, guest lectures by aviation experts, and themed family days.

Hours and Admission

The museum is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sundays from 12 PM to 5 PM. Admission fees are structured to be affordable and family-friendly, with standard pricing as follows:

Adults (17 and older): $19.95

Seniors: $15.95

Children (ages 4–16): $12.95

Children under 4: Free

Group discounts, memberships, and special event tickets are also available to encourage repeat visits and educational engagement.

Facilities and Visitor Amenities

The museum is equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable visit, including:

On-site parking and accessibility features compliant with ADA standards.

A museum store offering aviation-themed merchandise, books, models, and souvenirs.

Educational spaces and classrooms used for workshops and school field trips.

On-site staff and volunteers providing guided tours and expert knowledge.

Community Impact and Legacy

Wings Over the Rockies plays an important role in preserving aviation heritage while inspiring future generations to engage with aerospace and STEM fields. By combining historical artifacts with interactive learning, the museum acts as both a guardian of the past and a platform for future innovation. Its location on a historic airbase grounds it in the rich military and aerospace history of Colorado while serving a broader community mission of education, entertainment, and preservation.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum stands out as a dynamic cultural institution, offering a blend of historic aircraft, cutting-edge interactive exhibits, and educational programs designed to engage visitors of all ages. Its focus on both the history and future of aviation and space exploration makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in flight, technology, and science.