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The Museum of Flying is temporarily closed pending the construction of new facilities

 

"Spirit of Santa Monica" DC-3 Celebration on December 17, 2005 that marked the 70th Anniversary of the DC-3

Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Rodda

 

The Museum of Flying would like to thank all of the volunteers that restored the "Spirit of Santa Monica", the City of Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Airport, and all of those that attended the festivities and made it a success!

 

Press Release:

MUSEUM OF FLYING LANDS NEW LOCATION!

Front View

Side View

Floor Plan

The pictures above show renderings of the new museum, from the front and side, as well as the general floor plan.   Distinguishing features of the new design are (1) a prominent protective canopy for display aircraft, extended from the side of the museum, (2) an observation deck, for viewing the active runway at the Santa Monica Airport, and (3) an outside active aircraft ramp viewing area with protective fencing. 

 

PRESS RELEASE

Santa Monica, California

The Board of Directors of the Museum of Flying is pleased to announce the new location of the Museum of Flying.  The new Museum will reopen in mid to late 2009 at Santa Monica Airport.  The Museum will place heavy emphasis on the history of the airport and the prominent role that the Douglas Aircraft Company played in the early development of commercial and military aviation. 

Many artifacts and displays will focus on Douglas Aircraft and include some of the personal effects of founder Donald W. Douglas.  In addition, the Museum will feature displays on other aviation and aerospace companies from Southern California.  A limited collection of vintage aircraft will be on display along with a handful of static display aircraft.  Visitors will have access to a viewing area on the active runway of the airport and will also have the opportunity to view a rotating display of aircraft from other Museums.

The Museum is currently in discussion with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in an attempt to extend the loan of the famous Douglas World Cruiser "New Orleans," which is one of the two aircraft that first circumnavigated the world in 1924.  The aircraft were built at the Douglas Wilshire Boulevard factory and began the flights from Clover Field to Seattle where they were fitted with pontoons for the trip.  The aircraft later returned to Santa Monica following the completion of the journey.

"The Santa Monica City Council, Airport Commission, Airport Director, and Airport Manager were all instrumental in helping to secure a new location for the Museum in Santa Monica and were especially helpful in assisting with identifying and approving a new location that will allow the Museum to remain a focal point of the airport.  We are truly grateful for their efforts,” said David G. Price, Chairman of the Museum of Flying.

Upon reopening, the Museum will be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays and selected holidays, and will also be available for Children's Educational Tours during the week on a limited basis.  For more information, contact Dana Rodda ( drodda@americanairports.net ).  

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The Museum of Flying, located in Santa Monica, California, houses a rare collection of World War II fighter aircraft. The majority of the aircraft within the collection are in flight ready condition.

The Douglas World Cruiser "New Orleans" above, is one of two Douglas World Cruisers that were the first planes to circumnavigate the World in 1924.  Four of these planes were produced by the Douglas Aircraft Company at the Santa Monica Airport when is was known as Clover Field.

The Museum of Flying is temporarily closed at the Santa Monica Airport.  Please check this website for future relocation updates.

 

 

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Last modified: April 30, 2008