Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, an annex of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, serves as a modern-day shrine to aviation and spaceflight history. Located in Chantilly, Virginia, within the confines of Fairfax County, this museum is a must-see destination for aerospace enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Opened to the public in December 2003, the center is named in honor of its major donor, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy. It boasts two large hangars: the Boeing Aviation Hangar and the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar. These vast spaces house a collection of thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde, and the space shuttle Discovery. The center's impressive display allows visitors to get up close to some of the most iconic aircraft and spacecraft in history.

For those interested in seeing the mechanics of aviation, the center also features the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar where restoration of historic aircraft can be observed. Moreover, the Airbus IMAX Theater offers a range of documentaries and feature films, enhancing the visitor experience with breathtaking cinematic presentations.

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center also includes an Observation Tower, providing a 360-degree bird's-eye view of Washington Dulles International Airport and the surrounding area, allowing guests to watch planes as they land and take off.

Educational programs, flight simulators, and guided tours are available to enrich the experience. The center is open every day except December 25th, and while admission is free, there is a fee for parking.