San Diego Air And Space Museum

2001 Pan American Plaza

619-234-8291

History:

San Diego has one of the richest aviation heritages of any city in the country. Convair, home of such famous aircraft as the B-24 Liberator and the PBY Catalina, was founded here. Ryan Aeronautical, home of Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, was located here, and North Island Naval Air Station is the home of naval aviation. Much of that knowledge is captured and conveyed through the San Diego Air & Space Museum, a major institution unique to the region and one of the preeminent aviation museums in the nation.

Many local residents, including Preston M. "Sandy" Fleet, son of the founder of Consolidated Aircraft, and Captain Norvel R. Richardson, USN, believed the love affair with flight that began for San Diego in 1910 should be shared with the world. They took their ideas and enthusiasm to a group of prominent San Diego businessmen, including T. Claude Ryan and Joseph Jessop.

The San Diego Aerospace Museum was established on October 12, 1961, when the articles of incorporation submitted by the non-profit Citizen's Committee were approved by the State of California. When the idea was presented to then-Mayor Charles Dail, he recommended the vacant Food and Beverage Building in Balboa Park as an ideal location, and the City Council approved the recommendation.

‘Fly Me To The Moon: An Evening With Legends, Honoring Apollo 11 And Buzz Aldrin’ Set for July 20 at the San Diego Air and Space Museum

“FLY ME TO THE MOON” will be the only in-person celebration in the world of the 55th Anniversary of Mankind’s First Historic Moon Landing! San Diego, CA – “FLY ME TO THE MOON: An Evening with Legends, Honoring…

The San Diego Air And Space Museum Remembers International Air & Space Hall of Fame Member Dick Rutan

The San Diego Air & Space Museum is remembering decorated Vietnam War combat pilot, aerobatic pilot and aviation record setter Dick Rutan, who earned an honored spot in the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame. San Diego, CA…

William Shatner, Star Trek’s Captain James T. Kirk, Artemis Astronaut Jessica Meir And Navy Cross Recipient Royce Williams Headline Star-Studded International Air And Space Hall Of Fame Class Of 2023

William Shatner, Star Trek’s Captain James T. Kirk, Jessica Meir, distinguished NASA astronaut, biologist, and a pivotal member of the Artemis program, which intends to land the first woman and next man on the Moon, Royce Williams, US Naval…

New 'Breaking Barriers' Exhibit Honoring Pioneering Black American Aviators and Astronauts Debuting at the San Diego Air and Space Museum On Friday October 13, 2023

San Diego, CA - An inspirational new “Breaking Barriers” permanent exhibit honoring pioneering Black American aviators and astronauts throughout history is debuting at the San Diego Air & Space Museum on Friday, October 13, the…

Registration Now Open for Half-Day Summer Camps at the San Diego Air and Space Museum

Registration Now Open for Half-Day Summer Camps at the San Diego Air & Space Museum Students of all ages can explore everything aviation and space during educational, inspirational and FUN activities at the Museum in Balboa Park Registration…

The San Diego Air And Space Museum - Above And Beyond Special Exhibition And Experiential Journey Opening This Saturday February 4

ABOVE AND BEYOND Special Exhibition and Experiential Journey Opening THIS Saturday February 4 at the San Diego Air & Space Museum ABOVE AND BEYOND celebrates the power of innovation to make dreams take flight and features immersive simulations,…