Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center which includes interior views and aircraft
Perform 360-degree barrel rolls in flight simulators and see exhibits tracing the evolution of aviation at this educational center.

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is the companion facility of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Comprised of three huge hangars, the museum explores the history of aviation and spaceflight through displays of more than 3,000 artifacts and archival materials. See famous air and spacecraft like the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. From the center’s observation tower observe modern planes leaving from and arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport.

The center was opened in 2003 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight. It displays more than 300 air and spacecraft models, as well as other exhibits that the main museum on the National Mall is unable to accommodate. Look for the Enola Gay, the B-29 plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, in the World War II Aviation exhibit. Stand in the glassed-in mezzanine of the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar to watch specialists repair and preserve artifacts from the center’s collection.

Head to the top of the 164-foot-tall (50-meter) Donald D. Engen Observation Tower for fantastic 360-degree views of Washington Dulles International Airport. The tower also displays replicas of air traffic control equipment, similar to those used in a functioning airport control tower.

Pay an extra fee to try out one of the center’s simulators. Experience simulations of air-to-air combat in an F-4 Phantom II jet fighter or take a tour of the International Space Station. Aviation and space-related movies are screened at the Airbus IMAX Theater. The center regularly hosts engaging lectures, demonstrations and talks.

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located on the property of Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, about a 40-minute drive from Washington, D.C. To get here, take the Metro Silver Line to Wiehle-Reston East station and transfer to a bus bound for the center. Admission is free, but parking requires a fee. Marvel at the rapid progression of air and space travel technology as you explore the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

Reviews of Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
22
" "5 - Excellent 46.808510638297875%
4 - Good
16
" "4 - Good 34.04255319148936%
3 - Okay
8
" "3 - Okay 17.02127659574468%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 2.127659574468085%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
31 Oct 2019

Visit early in the day before all the tour groups arrive. The only cafe on site is a McDonalds.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Extended Stay America Suites Washington DC Chantilly Dulles
Extended Stay America Suites Washington DC Chantilly Dulles
2.5 out of 5
14420 Chantilly Crossing Ln, Chantilly, VA
Extended Stay America Suites Washington DC Chantilly Dulles
Wingate by Wyndham Chantilly / Dulles Airport
Wingate by Wyndham Chantilly / Dulles Airport
3 out of 5
3940 Centerview Dr, Chantilly, VA
Wingate by Wyndham Chantilly / Dulles Airport
Extended Stay America Suites Chantilly Dulles
Extended Stay America Suites Chantilly Dulles
2.5 out of 5
14036 Thunderbolt Pl, Chantilly, VA
Extended Stay America Suites Chantilly Dulles
Courtyard by Marriott Washington Dulles Airport Chantilly
Courtyard by Marriott Washington Dulles Airport Chantilly
3 out of 5
3935 Centerview Dr, Chantilly, VA
Courtyard by Marriott Washington Dulles Airport Chantilly
Hampton Inn Washington-Dulles Int'l Airport South
Hampton Inn Washington-Dulles Int'l Airport South
2.5 out of 5
4050 Westfax Dr, Chantilly, VA
Hampton Inn Washington-Dulles Int'l Airport South
Residence Inn by Marriott Chantilly Dulles South
Residence Inn by Marriott Chantilly Dulles South
3 out of 5
14440 Chantilly Crossing Ln, Chantilly, VA
Residence Inn by Marriott Chantilly Dulles South
Comfort Suites Dulles Airport
Comfort Suites Dulles Airport
2.5 out of 5
13980 Metrotech Dr, Chantilly, VA
Comfort Suites Dulles Airport
Hilton Washington Dulles Airport
Hilton Washington Dulles Airport
4 out of 5
13869 Park Center Rd, Herndon, VA
Hilton Washington Dulles Airport
Holiday Inn Chantilly-Dulles Expo Center, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Chantilly-Dulles Expo Center, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
4335 Chantilly Shopping Ctr, Chantilly, VA
Holiday Inn Chantilly-Dulles Expo Center, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.