The History
Originally called the San Diego Aerospace Museum, the doors on this historic building opened on February 15th in 1963 with just a small collection; aerospace was still in its infancy, so a large collection would not have been available. Within just a couple of years, however, the museum outgrew its original quarters and moved to a nearby (and much larger) building: The Electric Building. A fire in 1978 decimated much of the contents of the Electric Building, drawing sympathy from San Diego residents, who donated time and money to help rebuild the collection. In February of 1980, the museum reopened in the Ford building, which eventually merged with the International Aerospace Hall of Fame in 1993. In 2006, the name was changed to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
The Exhibits
The San Diego Air and Space Museum has come a long way from that original opening day and the 25 examples of airplanes it held. Today, the exhibits include a reproduction of the original Wright Glider, the Apollo IX Command Module, and a myriad of other air and space machines, both reproductions and originals, that have graced our skies over the years.
Special exhibits include a fun play area for the younger members of your family, the Kids Aviation Action Hangar, where the little tykes get a hands on opportunity to “fly” in a flight simulator. The American Women of Flight special exhibit is a celebration of the accomplishments of women in air and space history, including Sally Ride. Educational opportunities abound as well with educational tours, school programs, and even a space camp for the scientifically advanced youth in your family.
The Details
Open every day except Christmas and Thanksgiving, the San Diego Air and Space Museum hours of operation are 10:00am to 4:30pm. It is located at 2001 Pan American Plaza in San Diego. Children under three, museum members, and active duty military get in free, while people 12 and over cost $19.50, students with school ID cost $16.50, and children 3-11 cost $10.50. The Max Flight Simulator costs an additional $8 per person.
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Visit the San Diego Air and Space Museum
Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 234-8291