Why Now

Our vision

Aviation, space, and our community come to life at The Museum of Flight.

From the Wright Flyer’s first successful flight at Kitty Hawk to the Apollo 11 adventure to the Moon, the extraordinary accomplishments of aerospace have inspired awe and wonder around the world while being a source of pride here in the Puget Sound. But flight is much more than airplanes and spacecraft—it is the unwavering curiosity and collaboration of humankind.

That is why we do so much more than display objects at The Museum of Flight—we tell stories that educate and inspire.

We honor the people that make flight possible with the same respect we give to our world-class collection. We celebrate more than a century of extraordinary accomplishments and envision a bold future in the skies. We make the history of flight accessible for those who call the Pacific Northwest their home.

The Museum of Flight has been the place where our community becomes inspired by flight. Whether one is a lifelong enthusiast or a newcomer to flying, anyone can bear witness to the extraordinary possibilities of aerospace while uncovering the limitless potential within themselves.

Our work is just beginning.

Since our formation in 1965, The Museum of Flight has been on an unwavering journey to unlock the joy and inspiration that flight offers. Although we have made great strides over six decades, we know there are learners and visitors—both at home and from afar—who we have yet to reach or who have not seen themselves reflected in what we do. The Museum can be so much more than a collection of exhibits, thus by transforming into something larger than the sum of our parts, we can harness the power of aviation and space to turn stories, experiences, programs, and collections into joyful inspiration for our community and visitors.

Together, we are redefining a museum to become a place where visitors not only get to step into the past, but also have a hand in creating the future.

Invest in the future of flight

By joining us, you are not just giving to a museum; you are investing in the future of aviation and our community.

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Why now

Aerospace is a collective endeavor.

Every flight is made possible through the extensive collaboration of people and skills from a range of backgrounds and disciplines—from the engineers who pioneer advancements in aircrafts to the scientists and researchers who transform mathematical calculations into voyages to space; from the pilots who navigate the skies with skill and precision to the flight nurses and crew members that safeguard health and safety throughout each journey.

We are igniting great potential.

Advancements in technology and science are bringing faster, more efficient crafts within reach, opening new frontiers to explore and making our skies more accessible. At The Museum of Flight, we have both the potential and responsibility to shape the future of our sector.

By elevating the stories we share, we will illuminate how everyone—especially those that have not been recognized in the history of flight—can be part of the next chapter of aviation and space.
By deepening the STEM education experiences we offer, we will equip tomorrow’s leaders with the tools and knowledge to excel in any career. Together, we are not only making an impact here at home, but we are also creating the next generation of aerospace professionals who will make a difference long into the future.
By modeling what a sustainable, world-class, relevant museum can be, we will be a source of pride for our region.

What is needed to make flight possible is also the foundation for a thriving community. Going aloft requires a belief in the seemingly impossible. Flying is fueled by an insatiable curiosity about science, our planet, and space, along with a boundless commitment to innovation and creativity. These are the characteristics we need both to face challenges and embrace opportunities.

If we can create a spark in our visitors, we will shape the next generation of leaders with the same bravery, boldness, and brilliance as those we honor throughout the Museum’s collections and exhibits.

The lives we change at The Museum of Flight are the lives that will change the world.

What will be different?

When we look towards 2050 and beyond, we see a limitless community ready to dream, to innovate, to experience, to learn and change the world with the spark they find here.

And that is why we are embarking upon a once-in-a-generation campaign that will invest $325 million in everything we do at The Museum of Flight – from our collections to our learning opportunities to our onsite and virtual experiences.

As a cornerstone of the Puget Sound region and a beacon for history and education, we will:

Build a multi-purpose building to preserve our collection – and so much more. We will create a new west campus structure to house our renowned collection that will also include additional exhibit and education space, state-of-the-art visitor attractions, community gathering areas, and expanded staff offices.
Expand education outreach. The Museum’s education program capacity will increase to measurably impact school-age learners, their transition to post-secondary, and their readiness for in-demand aerospace careers.
Enhance access. We will break down cultural, physical, language, and financial barriers, to create a welcome museum environment for all.
Create a next-level Museum of Flight experience. We will transform and interconnect all onsite exhibits, collections, and educational offerings to launch dynamic experiences that deepen visitors’ engagement to the past, present, and future of aerospace.
Build our Endowment. The Museum will ensure its current financial health and sustainability long into the future by prioritizing the growth of this fund.

We are not just interested in expanding our square footage or presenting more planes—we are building a world-class Museum of Flight rooted in belonging, curiosity, and joy that our community will be proud to call their home.