During your visit to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, enjoy 90,000 square feet of exhibits, interactive displays, historical artifacts and a magnificent collection of aviation art, and honor the men and women of World War II in Memorial Gardens. In the Museum Store, shop for Mighty Eighth Air Force memorabilia.
Prelude to World War II
Start your visit to the Museum in the Prelude to World War II exhibit gallery and learn how Adolph Hitler used propaganda to win the support of the German public and his ambition to dominate Europe. “Britain Battles On,” is a short video presentation that explores Great Britain’s role during World War II. In addition, the Prelude to World War II gallery’s The Day of Infamy explores the events surrounding the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
From Savannah to the UK
Learn about the birth of the mighty Eighth in Savannah, Georgia in January of 1942 and the role of the United States Eighth Air Force. Highlighted in this gallery is the Mission Experience where you can attend a pre-flight briefing in a Quonset hut, receive ground crew orientation and then become an observer as an Eighth Air Force crew flies a mission over enemy territory in the museum’s immersion theater.
Combat Gallery
See original aircrafts, engines, and scale models, and enjoy a multitude of exhibits in the Combat Gallery. Highlights within the Combat Gallery include the Museum’s B-17 Flying Fortress being restored as the “City of Savannah”, a Boeing-Stearman PT KAYDET and the PT-17, an aircraft commonly used for training. Above the B-17 and PT-17 are four scale models including the P-51 Mustang, a German Me-109, a B-24 Liberator and a B-17 Flying Fortress.
Escape and Evasion
See the safe houses that downed fliers escaped to from Nazi-occupied countries in the Escape and Evasion gallery. In addition, the gallery features the POW Exhibit which explores daily life for the fliers who were captured by the Germans.
Honoring the Eighth
Honor the men and women of the Eighth Air Force. The exhibition’s Honoring the Eighth exhibit features collections of artifacts belonging to World War II Eighth Air Force groups. In the Hall of Valor, tribute is paid to a number of outstanding individuals who served with the Eighth Air Force during World War II.
Colonial Group Inc. Art Gallery
Delight in paintings by some of the world’s leading aviation artists in the Colonial Group Inc. Art Gallery. In the Permanent Collection Exhibit you will find 64 paintings by artists who specialize in aerospace subjects carefully selected by guest curator, Keith Ferris.
The Light Comes On Again
The Light Comes On Again gallery explores some of the last days of World War II. Learn about the instrument of unconditional surrender signed by the Germans at General Eisenhower’s headquarters in Reims, France on May 7, 1945 and the victory in Japan several months later.
Post World War II
Gain insight into the role of the United States Air Force, especially the Eighth Air Force, post World War II. Gallery exhibits highlight the Commanders of the Eighth Air Force from June 1945 to the present and artifacts such as a McDonnell ADM-20C, a section of a B-52 vertical stabilizer and a MiG 21 nose section and cockpit.
Fly Girls of World War II
Learn about the women in aviation, particularly the role of the Women Air Force Service Pilots. In the Fly Girls of World War II gallery original artifacts and video and audio stations bring the role of women involved in aviation to life.
Memorial Gardens
Wander the winding paths and reflect on the efforts of our veterans in Memorial Gardens. Stone walls and granite monuments that feature the names of those who served their country line a path that circles a dramatic reflecting pool. In addition, the Memorial Gardens features a bronze statue of the 351st Bomb Group navigator, Ben Love.
Chapel of the Fallen Eagles
Made of stone, Chapel of the Fallen Eagles was built to resemble an English chapel and offer visitors a place of quiet reflection. Explore the inside of the chapel and take the time to reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans.
Shopping in the Museum Store
Be sure to stop by the Museum Store. Books and DVDs, apparel, toys and other items unique to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force are available to purchase.
- Miss Sophie’s Marketplace, located in the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, is opened from Monday through Friday and serves a unique combination of authentic and traditional southern cuisine and British fare.
- Presentations in the museum’s immersion theater start every 30 minutes.