Pima Air & Space Museum - Attraction Guide

Airplane Outdoors Pima Air Space Museum | Pima Air & Space Museum - Attraction Guide

Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona is the largest nonprofit aerospace museum in the country.

The museum originally opened in 1976 with a mission to preserve historic aircraft.

Now an internationally acclaimed attraction, the museum is best known for its collection of around 400 commercial, civil, military, and experimental aircraft. There are infinite opportunities for discovery with 125,000 square feet of indoor displays in 6 hangars along with 80 acres outside to explore.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Where is the Pima Air & Space Museum located?

The Pima Air & Space Museum is located just off I-10 at exit 267. The address is 6000 E. Valencia Road.

What are the hours?

REGULAR HOURS (October – May)

7 Days a Week 9:00am – 5:00pm
Last Admission at 3:00pm

SUMMER HOURS (June – September)

7 Days a Week 9:00am – 3:00pm
Last Admission at 1:30pm

Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day

Why would I visit the Pima Air & Space Museum?

  • To learn about aviation, history, astronomy, and engineering
  • To witness a uniquely diverse collection of aircraft
  • To entertain the whole family
  • To inspire your inner aviator

How much does it cost to visit Pima Air & Space Museum?

  • Adults (ages 13+): $19.50
  • Pima County Resident: $15.25
  • Seniors (ages 65+): $16.75
  • Juniors (ages 5-12): $13.00
  • Children under 5: Free

Your admission fee covers the Main Hangar, three WWII Hangars, the Dorothy Finley Space Gallery, the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, the 390th Memorial Museum, and all 80 acres (which includes around 200 planes).

What is the parking situation?

Free parking is offered at the Pima Air & Space Museum. Parking is plentiful and RVs can also be accommodated. Overnight parking is not permitted.

What should I wear?

Dress for the weather. Only the Museum Store and the restaurant are climate controlled (air-conditioned or heated).

What should I bring with me?

Bring a bottle of water, sunglasses, and sunscreen!

How much time should I plan to spend at Pima Air & Space Museum?

Depending on the number in your group and the interest level of those visiting, you will probably want to allow between 2-4 hours for your visit.

Are bathrooms available?

Yes. There are a handful of restroom locations around the property.

Which days of the week are the most and least crowded?

In general, the museum is so large that you rarely see a crowd. Summer is the slow season with fewer tourists in the region due to higher temperatures. The busiest days of the week are the weekend, with Fridays and Mondays close behind. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are slower. The busiest day of the year is Black Friday. The busiest week is between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

DINING

Is outside food allowed? Are picnic tables available?

With the exception of water, outside food and drinks are not permitted at Pima Air & Space Museum.

There are, however, two picnic tables outside the museum that are available for your use (one is in the RV parking lot under a ramada, the other is near the Administrative Hangar near Valencia Road).

Does the Pima Air & Space Museum have a restaurant?

Yes. Flight Grill, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating, is open daily from 9:30am-2:30pm. Enjoy chili, salad, sandwiches, or southwest dishes. Expect to pay $11-$15 per entree. Kids meals are $8.25 and include a side.

What restaurants are located NEAR the Pima Air & Space Museum?

Unfortunately, there aren't very many restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the museum. Because the museum doesn't allow outside food or beverages, plan ahead by visiting outside of regular meal times or dine at the on-property casual eatery - Flight Grill.

BABIES & KIDS

What ages would be best suited for a visit to the Pima Air & Space Museum?

As a multi-generational attraction, the museum "prides itself on being a fun experience for the whole family. From infant to grandparents, the museum is a great way to engage with history and create a lifelong passion for aviation." There is a playground, hands-on activities, and simulator for young visitors.

Older children (ages 8 and up) or those very interested in aviation will particularly enjoy this museum. That being said, younger children will be awed at the number of airplanes and will clamor at the chance to climb into a cockpit or manage the control tower.

Should I bring a stroller?

A stroller is a good idea for younger children. A paved walkway connects the Main Hangar and Hangars 3, 4, and 5, while the remainder of the outdoor acreage is generally hard-packed dirt.

Is there a designated area for mothers to feed their babies?

Yes. The Mamava nursing pod, AKA "refueling station," is a private, cool, and comfortable place for moms to nurse their young children. It is located next to the restrooms in the Spirit of Freedom Hangar outside the gift shop.

Are changing tables available?

The 5 restrooms inside the exhibit hangars have changing stations in both the men's and women's restrooms.

EVENTS

Can I have my wedding, rehearsal dinner, or birthday at Pima Air & Space Museum?

Yes. Pima Air & Space Museum has several venues for Special Events. The museum can accommodate groups from 20 to 500 people indoors. Outdoor capacity is unlimited.

Pima Air & Space Museum does not currently offer birthday party packages.

MISCELLANY

Can I bring my pet to Pima Air & Space Museum?

The museum is a pet-friendly facility, but leashes are required.

Is the Pima Air & Space Museum active on social media?

Yes! The Pima Air & Space Museum is on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

What else do I need to know before I go to the Pima Air & Space Museum?

  • The Museum Store offers a wide variety of aircraft-themed apparel, gifts, collectables, books, and memorabilia.
  • That's about it! Have a wonderful time!

Check out the complete list of Tucson Museums.

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