During your visit to this Midland, Texas attraction, explore exhibits that interpret the story of World War II military aviation. From the prelude of World War II to the atomic bomb, the Museum’s interactive exhibits focus on the war in the Pacific, strategic bombing, D-Day and the Atomic Age. Gifts and keepsakes related to the American Airpower Heritage Museum are available in the Museum’s Gift Shop.
Exhibits
American Combat Airman Hall of Fame
Honor the men and women who build, service and fly U.S. military aircrafts, preserving freedom and democracy around the world in the American Combat Airman Hall of Fame. The American Combat Airman Hall of Fame recognizes Americans who have served in the air during any war conflict.
507th Fighter Group Gallery
Learn about the 507th Fighter Group in the 507th Fighter Group Gallery opened in October of 2009. The 507th Fighter Group served the Pacific Theater flying P-47 Thunderbolts and accomplished a great deal during its short service from July 1, 1945 to August 15, 1945.
Aviation Nose Art Gallery
See the largest collection of original World War II nose art. The Nose Art Gallery showcases 34 original nose art panels that represent the artistic expressions of young men at war, made from the panels of fuselages.
Polikarpov I-16
From its use in the Sino-Japanese War to its role in the Winter War with Finland and its deployment in what Russians call the Great Patriotic War, learn about the Polikarpov I-16. Designed by Nikolayevich Polikarpov, the Russian aircraft was the first monoplane in the world to incorporate cantilever wings with retractable landing gear, an enclosed cockpit and variable pitch propellers.
Main Museum Gallery
The American Airpower Heritage Museum’s Main Museum Gallery chronicles the story of World War II. From the home front to the role of aviation at war, hands-on permanent exhibits in the Main Museum Gallery explore aviation concepts and events from every theater of the war.
George Bush Exhibit
Experience the downing and rescue of George Bush, the aviator who would become the President of the United States. The George Bush Exhibit is not a politically motivated tribute to George Bush, but honors all who served in naval aviation during World War II.
Vietnam War Memorial
Explore the Museum’s collection of Vietnam-era fighter jets and helicopters. Dedicated to the Americans who served as aircrew during the Vietnam War, the exhibit features the F-105 Thunderchief, F-4 Phantom, F-100 Super Sabre, AH-1 Cobra and UH-1 Iroquois.
Aircraft and Vehicle Display
Discover a selection of aircrafts in the Museum’s fully functional hangar. The Commemorative Air Force actively restores, maintains and flies vintage aircrafts flown by the United States Armed Forces. Displays in the hangar are continuously changing as aircrafts rotate in and out for air shows and maintenance.
Roy Grinnell Art Gallery
Admire the works of world renowned aviation artist, Roy Grinnell in the Roy Grinnell Art Gallery. The Gallery features paintings by Grinnell that honor past American Combat Airman Hall of Fame inductees.
Wartime Sketches of Peter Hurd
Discover the story of Peter Hurd, one of the seven American artist-correspondents sent to war by Life magazine. During Hurd’s time at war, he painted memorable portraits, landscapes and other scenes that became part of what Life called “the first full record on canvas of the U.S. at war.”
Be sure to stop by the American Airpower Heritage Center Gift Shop. Apparel and accessories, DVDs and CDs, books and calendars, toys and models, prints and posters, and home décor related to the American Airpower Heritage Museum are available to purchase.
Travel Tip
- The American Airpower Heritage Museum is ADA compliant. Wheelchairs are available for use from the front desk.