The National Naval Aviation Museum

National Naval Museum Pensacola is home to the world’s largest Naval Aviation Museum

Family looking at the Blue Angels at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Photo courtesy Visit Pensacola.

Grumman YF-14A Tomcat at the entrance to the Museum of Naval Aviation. Photo courtesy Kristian Jones.

The National Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s largest Naval Aviation museum and features more than 150 restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. Spanning 37-acres of ground space and 350,000 square feet of exhibits, the Museum is open daily and offers free admission.

It’s been named one of the top 25 museums in the United States, and ranks in the top 13 military museums in the country.

The Museum’s exhibits provide a closer look at the people and events that shaped our history. From vintage uniforms and historic documents displayed in brilliant mahogany display cases, to dioramas that transport visitors to the World War I Western Front, Main Street U.S.A. in 1943, and the depths of Lake Michigan, the exhibits of the National Naval Aviation Museum seek to capture the human element of the enduring history of Naval air power.

The Museum captures Naval Aviation’s heritage and brings its story of challenge, ingenuity and courage to you. Soar with the Blue Angels in the dazzling seven-story glass and steel atrium that showcases four A-4 Skyhawks in a diving diamond formation. Enjoy free guided tours and retrace the NC-4’s first flight across the Atlantic. Fly in one of the full motion simulators or see The Magic of Flight, the museum’s own Laser Powered Giant Screen Digital Theater film projected on a seven-story high screen.

Blue Angel performs during Homecoming Air Show. Photo courtesy Visit Pensacola.

The Museum’s West Wing is devoted almost exclusively to World War II carrier aviation and showcases a full-size replica of the aircraft carrier USS Cabot’s island and flight deck. Famous World War II aircraft such as the Corsair, Dauntless and Hellcat stand nearby ready for take-off, while other magnificent birds fly overhead. Strap into one of the many cockpit trainers for pretend test flights or try your hand at defending a ship from Cabot’s anti-aircraft gun battery on the Main Deck.

As the Museum has grown, so has its popularity. In the last decade alone, visitation has more than doubled, approaching one million in some years. The National Naval Aviation Museum has achieved recognition as one of the world’s premiere air and space museums and one of the most-visited museums in Florida.

Fly with the Blue Angels in the Museum’s new attraction, the Blue Angels 4D Theater. Located in Hangar Bay One, visitors enjoy exciting, action-packed aerial maneuvers with the Blue Angels. With 3D images and surprising special effects, you’ll feel like you’re a part of a Blue Angels air show.

The National Naval Aviation Museum is proud to share a home with the United States Navy’s Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron!

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow has been named one of the Southeast’s Top 20 Events, For more information about Visit Pensacola, call 1- 800-874-1234 or go to http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org

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