I was really looking forward to enjoying this after the reviews I read, but it was disappointing. I've been to the Smithsonian and this cannot even come close and for what they charge you would think the displays would be kept up better and the hands on would be in working order. The staff was rude and not helpful. Would never go back. The food was way overpriced also so we went down the rode to eat
I like that they accept reciprocation, but I'm glad I didn't pay. It's small and not a lot for little hands to do.
The place was mostly empty (probably 20 to 30 people in there at the time I was there on a Saturday), and not as large as I expected. I was the only one in the IMAX at the time of the show. It is a little overpriced for the size.
My family thoroughly enjoyed the museum. The displays are informative and interesting. The added feature of the IMAX theater is great. The docents and staff were extremely helpful. We will be going back soon to see the new Gemini capsule that is being added. The location is in really great location near the downtown restaurants (not the chain kind but privately owned with great menus). Don't forget to get your tickets for the beautiful carousel located in front of the museum.
Most of the interactive displays were either shut down or not operating correctly. Very disappointed as I am a commercial pilot and love aviation. However if admission was about 5 dollars I would have felt so raped at the door.
Numerous planes and boats on display. There are many interactive attractions. There is a flight simulator, a large model of an aircraft carrier, displays of many rockets and spaceships.Definitely worth the ride if you're just a few hours away but many other attractions in the area would make it worth the trip. Three stories but elevators are available and a small lunch spot.
When this museum opened, it was pretty exciting and cutting edge. Unfortunately, they have not stayed current nor maintained what they have very well. I know they have had money problems, but they need to dive in and raise the necessary funds to bring the museum up to standard. The building itself is beautify, the gift shop is the only place locally to find certain kinds of toys and gifts, and the location is perfect, but their exhibits need updating and the place needs sprucing.
Great museum for kids and adults. My wife and I as well as Grandparents and a 5yo and 8 yo all had a great time. Many hands on activities for all ages. All the planes were well displayed and cool to see. Really enjoyed some of the planes like the WWII bomber that you could enter and have a simulated bombing run. My mother had taken similar aged children to the Smithsonian Air and Space and said the VA one was even better- less crowds and more hands on activities. Only criticism would be that it would be nice if there was some more info / training on how to use several of the flight simulators. None of us knew what we were doing and crashed a lot. But it was fun. It was a great museum and I highly recommend it.
The Virginia Air and Space center in Hampton is "almost exactly" like the one in Washington D.C. with way less the crowds The exhibits are awesome and well worth the cost. They even have a IMAX theater to watch the latest movies in 3D.