Expand your horizons
When the Air Zoo is not overwhelming you with sights, sounds and motion, learn from our ever-changing lineup of exhibits. Unique and fascinating, our permanent and traveling displays are sure to delight and inform.
National Guadalcanal Memorial Museum
Sea Wings: The Story of Carrier Aviation
In Plane View
National Guadalcanal Memorial Museum
One of the longest and bloodiest campaigns of World War II, the Guadalcanal campaign is known as the psychological and geographical turning point of land war in the Pacific.
This nationally-recognized memorial commemorates the experience with a large collection of artifacts, insightful dioramas, first-hand narratives and the Wall of Honor, memorializing 20 men who earned the Medal of Honor for their sacrifices on the island.
Sea Wings: The Story of Carrier Aviation
“Sea Wings: The Story of Carrier Aviation,” the 2,000-sq. ft. exhibit chronicles the history of the aircraft carrier from its earliest beginnings (balloon barges in the Civil War) right up to today’s modern carrier battle groups.
This exhibit features over 400 photographs from the U.S. Navy, the U.S. National Archives, U.S. Naval Historical Center and British Royal Navy combined with descriptive text to tell the story. In addition to the visual materials, the exhibit also features a variety of artifacts.
In addition to the visual materials, there are two full-size aircraft cockpit simulators that visitors can get in and make believe they are flying on to or off of a carrier.
Of special interest are three impressively large models of U.S. Navy warships which are on display in the Carrier Battle Group area. These include a 9-1/2-foot-long model of the USS Wisconsin, an 8-foot model of the USS Nimitz and a 6-foot model of the USS Arleigh Burke.
In Plane View
On exhibit May 8, 2009 - July 31, 2009
“In Plane View,” an exhibition of 56 large-format photographs by Carolyn Russo, showcases the aesthetic quality of some of the National Air and Space Museum’s iconic aircraft. With up-close facets, sculptural forms and life-like elements, “In Plane View” directs viewers’ attention to the often-overlooked simple elegance of aircraft design. Russo exposes the bold colors, textures, shapes and patterns that characterize diverse flying machines and, with her lens, transforms technology into art.
Photos
