The museum promotes a deeper understanding of the historical importance of American aviation in World War II and its role in shaping the world we live in today. The museum’s focal point is its collection of 29 restored, operable aircraft. On demonstration days, visitors see them come to life and take to the skies. To inspire future leaders and innovators, the museum has served more than 30,000 students in its K-12 Education Program and provides internships for college engineering students.
World War II drove tremendous technological advancements and social and economic changes that continue today. Through its aircraft, exhibits, artifacts, and programs, the museum tells the story of these changes, often including powerful personal narratives bringing forth faces and names of the WWII generation. As we say, you’ll come for the aircraft, you’ll stay for the exhibits.
The museum broke ground on a $9 million addition in August 2025 to support the addition of aircraft, exhibits, and programs. Future plans include an Airframe and Powerplant School to train individuals for jobs in aviation and a resource library for scholars to study WWII aviation.
The National Museum of WWII Aviation is one of very few museums that fly their aircraft. In 2017, Congress designated the museum as “America’s National World War II Aviation Museum.” Since 2022, the museum has consistently ranked in Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Attractions in the US, this year #6 in the country and #2 of things to do in Colorado Springs!
“I liked learning all about the planes and what people were doing at home to help during the war because it taught me they didn't have most of the things we take for granted today.” — Middle school student who participated in the museum's education program
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Phone: (719) 637-7559