2772 Donald
Douglas Loop North
Santa Monica
(310) 392-8822
Located
at the Santa Monica Airport on 2772 Donald Douglas Loop North in
Santa Monica, California, this museum is definitely worth a
visit. Both adults and children will enjoy many elements of this
ten year old museum. Built at the site where the Douglas
Aircraft Company manufactured, tested and produced military and
commercial aircraft for forty-six years, visitors of this
unique, non-profit museum can see a rare collection of civilian
and military aircraft through World War II. These include
fighter planes, "war-birds," the popular
"DC-3". Notably, the majority of the displayed
aircraft are in flight-ready condition.
There are three
large floors in which to explore and learn about the museum’s
honorable mission: to promote education about the history of
aviation and to inspire courage and lofty achievement up in the
skies or not. Currently, both kids and their parents are
rewarded at the Museum of Flying through what is known as the
"A’s Award Program". Kids in grades K-12 who bring a
report card with an "A" in any academic subject are
given a ride on a glider plane for up to a half an hour, which
no other museum guests are permitted on! When accompanied by
their parents, these students are entitled to a free admission
into the museum, a free (otherwise $2) ride on the
multi-vehicular "simulator" ride in the kids area of
the museum and the free glider ride. It is important to verify
flight schedules by calling in advance. Pilot availability and
weather conditions are subject to change. Reservations to
participate in the "A’s Award" glider ride program
are taken at (310) 392-8822, extension 531. This is a great way
for kids to find out one way in which their hard work in school
is rewarded. It is also a great way for a museum to embrace
their mission.
The volunteer
docents of the museum have extensive experience in both
manufacturing and piloting the aircraft on display. Guided tours
are available. Museum visitors can also visit the adjacent DC-3
restaurant, which completes a rewarding day to a fun museum. In
this elegant dressy/casual atmosphere, the fare includes
Pan-Pacific and American cuisine as prepared by an
award-winning, four star chef. Actress Gywynneth Paltrow was the
hostess here prior to her Oscar-winning days. From your table
you may witness aircraft take off and land from the Santa Monica
Airport. This makes an afternoon guided or independent tour of
parked airplanes come to life. The museum gift shop is open
during regular business hours and offers books and gifts for
aviation fans of all ages.
Visit the Museum
of Flying from Wednesday through Sunday from ten to five . The
museum is closed on holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for
seniors and $3 for children. Call (310) 392-8822 for more
information or to make a group reservation.
