Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Activity Overview

The Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia is the companion facility to the Museum on the National Mall in Washington, DC. This dazzling $311 million storage shed, at Dulles Airport, is chock-full of cool airplanes and space stuff. Opened in 2003, its two huge hangars display thousands of aviation and space artifacts.

Things to See & Do

Opened in 2003, its two huge hangars display thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde, and the space shuttle Discovery.

The Center also offers the Airbus IMAX Theater and the Donald D. Engen Observation Tower, which gives you a 360-degree bird's-eye view of Washington Dulles International Airport and the surrounding area. There are many things to do while visiting the Udvar-Hazy Center.

There are a ton of terrific exhibitions on display. Learn about human space flight, World War II aviation and much more. Fun highlights include Transformers; Ultralight Aircraft; Rockets & Missles; Vertical Flight; and modern Military Aviation. Along with aircraft and spacecraft, you'll find engines, uniforms, models, and photographs.

Enjoy IMAX and Planetarium shows for a fee.

Discovery Stations: Kids can touch a real space suit or learn how ancient astronomers studied the stars through active, hands-on activities.

Restoration Hangar: Watch highly trained specialists reconstruct, repair, and preserve rare artifacts.

Observation Tower: Watch planes take off and land at Washington Dulles International Airport and get a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. (note: this line can get long both for going up and coming down from the tower. Depending on the flight patterns, you may or may not see planes taking off.)

Daily tours and educational activities are available for both children and adults. They also feature scheduled lectures and events throughout the year. For more information, visit the online events calendar.

Udvar-Hazy Center Insider Tips

• The Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, VA, just minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport. Public transportation is available, but depending on your point of departure, you may have to take a combination of transportation options. If you plan to take your own transportation, see our driving directions.
• Parking is $15 per vehicle but is free after 4pm. Admission to the center is free.
• Minimize Carry-Ons: All visitors must pass through security screening upon entry. The fewer carry-on items you bring inside the Museum, the faster your entry (and visitors behind you).
• Lockers for Bags: The Udvar-Hazy Center has lockers in two sizes. The smaller lockers accommodate small bags (such as backpacks) and coats; the larger lockers are 12" wide, 17" deep, and 29" tall, and accommodates most carry-on size bags. A 25 cent deposit is required and the quarter is returned after the key is replaced.
• Connect to WIFI: Connecting to the Center's WI-FI is easy. Just choose SI-VISITOR, open a web browser, and accept the terms of service.
• No Food and Drink: Food and drink are not permitted in the Museum. There is no dining area beside a McDonalds restaurant, so if you bring food, you must consume it outside. Only bottled water is permitted in the Center. Several restaurants are located along Route 50 just a few miles from the Museum.
• Take Care on Ramps and Overlooks:The Udvar-Hazy Center has long ramps and high overlook walkways. Please use care and do not allow children to play on them. Never carry children on your shoulders.