On November 11, 1996 an upwards of 5000 visitors attended the grand opening of the Palm Springs Air Museum. The inspiration for a museum of this kind came about when two men were having a conversation when a P-51 flew over their heads, sparking the idea.
Now the museum holds the largest collection of flying World War II military planes in the world as well as original and rare combat photography, video documentaries, unique artwork, memorabilia, and artifacts of the World War II era. The museum is set on ten acres and with an interior display space measuring 70, 000 sq. ft, three huge hangars, the Army/European Hangar, the Navy/Pacific Hangar, and the B17 Hangar are home to the museums main exhibits. Tours are also available where groups will be accompanied by knowledgeable tour guides, many who were former pilots, and for the young, school and youth tours are also provided to help educate the children of today. A B-17 tour is even provided where one will get to learn about one of the most famous and feared war planes of our past.
Not only does the museum honor those who have fought courageously in World War II, but offers a fantastic setting for a large corporate event to a small personal party. It's the perfect location to host just about any special event since the building provided offers 50,000 sq. ft. of unique space that presents an excellent setting of the 1940's. The museum also houses a wonderful collection of automobiles of the 1920's – 1930's, and an excellent library that focuses on World War II aviation subjects and how the history of aviation has influenced the world today. Flight demonstrations are also given during special events, education programs and seminars. There's nothing like having a first-hand view of these wonderful planes of the past.
The Palm Springs Air Museum is a fantastic place to visit that presents more than just fighter planes of World War II, it offers a glimpse of the past, and a history lesson to the new generations of the future.
