Blog Post

World's Largest Self-supporting Aerospace Museum: world record in Tucson, Arizona

Mar 21, 2023

Tucson, Arizona, United States--The Pima Air & Space Museum, located in Tucson, Arizona, features a display of nearly 300 aircraft spread out over 80 acres (320,000 m²) on a campus occupying 127 acres (513,000 m²) and sees nearly 200,000 visitors annually, setting the world record for being the World's Largest Self-supporting Aerospace Museum, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"Pima Air & Space Museum is the largest non-government funded aviation museum in the United States.

"The 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (to give the area its correct name) covers 2,600 acres (or 1,430 soccer pitches) and contains the rusting hulks of 4,000 retired aircraft. Exhibits include the SR-71 Blackbird (the world’s fastest spy plane), a B-29 Superfortress and the world’s smallest biplane. In one area, retired DC-3 aircraft double as canvases for Brazilian graffiti artist Nunca," the CNN reports.

"One of the most popular attractions is the Boneyard, otherwise known as the place planes go to die. There’s a boneyard on the grounds of the museum as well as a large military boneyard accessible via the museum-organized daily bus tours."

"Pima Air & Space Museum opened in 1976 and is one of the largest air and space museums in the world—and the largest self-supporting aerospace museum," the Visit Arizona reports.

"The museum features more than 400 historic aircraft, from a Wright Flyer to a 787 Dreamliner, and encompasses six indoor exhibit hangars (three dedicated to World War II) and 90 acres of outdoor displays."

"The Pima Air & Space Museum, located in Tucson, Arizona, is one of the world's largest non-government funded aerospace museums. The museum features a display of nearly 300 aircraft spread out over 80 acres (320,000 m²) on a campus occupying 127 acres (513,000 m²). It has also been the home to the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame since 1991.

"A large number of the museum's aircraft are displayed outside with the remainder located in one of the museum's four display hangars. In addition to the display hangars, the museum has a restoration hangar.

"The museum is adjacent to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), affiliated with the base, also known as the "Graveyard of Planes" or "The Boneyard", is the largest aircraft storage and preservation facility in the world." (Wikipedia)

"Featuring about 400 historic aircraft, from a Wright Flyer to a 787 Dreamliner," the official website says

"Sitting on 80 acres the museum opened its doors to the public in May of 1976. Over the past forty years, the museum has grown immensely and today encompasses six indoor exhibit hangars (three dedicated to WWII).

"TripAdvisor ranks it in the Top 10% worldwide for excellent ratings. Its significant collection, 400 strong from around the globe, covers commercial, military, and civil aviation. See all-time great aircraft in six hangars and on 80 acres: the SR-71 Blackbird, a B-29 Superfortress, WWII fighter planes, three B-52s, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a Boeing 747, the world’s smallest bi-plane, planes used as canvases by renowned contemporary artists, and much more. Enjoy a full-service restaurant and the extensive gift shop on site."

"Hundreds of aircraft, spacecraft, and related exhibits, many of them outdoors. Wander on the desert looking at and touching old bombers, fighters, and passenger jets. Wear a hat, bring a water bottle," the Roadside America reports.

"On the informative tram we saw numerous different planes, with various stories. The new Dreamliner is something else. The video of it (inside the museum) should not be missed. The real one is outside. I recommend the tram, which runs more often than the bus and is easier to get in. The boneyard is many many repetitive planes. Weather needs to be respected. Children find this worth while. Plan 2-3 hrs. If you want to see some of the boneyard, drive east, down past the museum. There are dirt roads that take you past some of the boneyard."

"An awesome array of about 300 aircraft, mock-ups of several spacecraft, and related exhibits, a must see for aviation buffs of any age. Near exit 267 off Hwy 10, at the south edge of Davis-Monthan AFB. Multiple buildings house restored aircraft -- many are WWII-era, US fighters, bombers, helicopters, even some Russian MIGs. To see it all, allow three hours and plan on walking a mile or more through several hangars and a substantial number of outdoor exhibits."

"A popular Tucson destination, the Pima Air & Space Museum is 80 acres of vintage planes, fascinating exhibits, and so much more. Home to the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, it features nearly 400 aircraft and six exhibit hangars," the Only In Your State reports.

"Over 250,000 square feet of indoor space means you'll have to use your time wisely in order to see everything. The main hangar alone could keep you busy for an entire day, with exhibits on seaplanes and submarines, women in aviation, airpower in the Vietnam War, and several other captivating topics.

"Walk through the Aerospace Gallery for a crash course on the history of aerospace technology. You'll learn all about the Space Race, experimental aircraft, drones, and even see the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame."

"The Pima Air & Space Museum has several venues for Special Events. Indoors, the Museum can accommodate groups from 20 to 500. Outdoor capacity is unlimited," the Visit Tucson reports.

"The Museum's facilities are ideally situated for special events with opportunities for guests to view a vast array of aircraft from all corners of the world. All events booked at the Museum are supported by a complete range of guest services, making it perfect for any group occasion.

"Our special events staff is ready to assist with any request, down to the smallest detail to make your event memorable. Flight Central Hangar boasts 20,000 square feet of event space.Flight Grill Restaurant has an additional 4,500 square feet as well as floor to ceiling windows so you can view the outdoor collection."

Testimonials from Trip Advisor

"There is so much to see here, plus several docent talks are offered throughout the day; I recommend you arrive early and plan to stay most of the day."

"Absolutely amazing! My daughter and I spent over 3 hours in the museum and still did not see it all. The history and displays are such a treasure. We also visited the Space gallery and Bomber building and just did not have enough time to take in all of it. I would highly suggest the two day pass. The bomber building was my absolute favorite! The staff was great and one of the authors from the books sold was there speaking. Could not have picked a better learning environment for my daughter!"

"Thoroughly enjoy the museum and was impreessed by the number of different aircraft they had. Pet -friendly with exception of restaurant and the shuttle which was fine by us. Worth the visit and glad a friend recommended to us."

"First of all, this museum is huge! Many different kinds of planes including military and commercial. Fascinating but I would suggest taking there guided tour. I didn't take the tour and by the time I was done, I needed a nap! There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, so plan on spending a few hours."

"Very interesting and well maintained museum. All the exhibits are spread out that that you do not feel crowded. Found most interesting were the planes from both Japan and the Soviet Union. Along with a V 1 recreation from Germany."