What’s new in 2025 (at a glance)

  • Smithsonian NASM (DC) reopened five renovated galleries on July 28 (Milestones of Flight refresh, Innovations, Futures in Space, Pioneers of Flight, WWI). Free timed-entry passes are still required. National Air and Space Museum+2National Air and Space Museum+2
  • Museum of Flight (Seattle) premiered Ralph Ziman’s “MiG-21 Project” on June 21 (through Jan 26, 2026). Museum of Flight+1
  • San Diego Air & Space Museum debuted “Da Vinci’s First Flight” on Feb 1 (world premiere; hands-on, 30+ full-scale replicas). San Diego Air & Space Museum+1
  • Sullenberger Aviation Museum (Charlotte) opened “Aviation City” May 31 in the restored 1936 WPA hangar. Sullenberger Aviation Museum+1
  • EAA Aviation Museum (Oshkosh): summer early-jets cluster (Vampire, P-80, F-84, F-86, MiG-15, Me 262 reproduction) stayed up until mid-August; on Sept 4, Wisk “Cora” Gen-5 autonomous eVTOL joined the permanent collection. Experimental Aircraft Association+1
  • National Naval Aviation Museum (Pensacola): “Return with Honor” POW exhibit opened Sept 19 (grand-opening event). NNAM+1
  • UK picks: IWM Duxford’s Canberra B.2 WH725 is on temporary display until September; RAF Museum London hosts “To the Stars” (May 12–Sept 28). Imperial War Museums+1

Month-by-month planner (save the dates)

February

  • San Diego Air & Space Museum (CA) — Da Vinci’s First Flight, opens Feb 1 (world premiere). Expect interactive builds + >30 large replicas. Good family pick, and it ran alongside Museum Month discounts. San Diego Air & Space Museum+1

March

  • Hiller Aviation Museum (Bay Area, CA) — Air Racing gallery grand opening Mar 1 (launch events & panels). San Carlos Life+1

May

  • Sullenberger Aviation Museum (NC) — Aviation City opens May 31, tying Charlotte’s CLT growth to local aviation history; housed in the restored 1936 WPA hangar. Sullenberger Aviation Museum

June

  • Museum of Flight (Seattle, WA) — The MiG-21 Project opens Jun 21; a full MiG-21 covered in millions of glass beads (art + aviation), with opening-day programming. Runs through Jan 26, 2026. Museum of Flight+1
  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (Dayton, OH) — ASAA 37th Annual International Aerospace Art Exhibition, Jun 17–Sept 21 (Cold War Gallery). Air Force Museum

July

August

  • Aviation Heritage Park & Museum (Bowling Green, KY) — “Heroes’ Homecoming” opened Aug 2 (grand opening with guest aviators). Exhibit continues during regular hours. Aviation Heritage Park+1

September

  • EAA Aviation Museum (WI) — Wisk “Cora” Gen-5 autonomous eVTOL accession announced Sept 4 (notable AAM artifact). Experimental Aircraft Association
  • National Naval Aviation Museum (FL) — “Return with Honor” POW exhibit opened Sept 19 (free grand-opening event). NNAM
  • UK:
    • IWM Duxford — Canberra B.2 WH725 on display until September (then returns to RAF Museum); Sea Harrier FA.2 ZA175 re-enters AirSpace hangar. Imperial War Museums
    • RAF Museum London — “To the Stars” art exhibit May 12–Sept 28 (free). RAF Museum

Past but notable: Home Beyond Earth (Museum of Flight, Seattle) ran Jun 8, 2024–Jan 26, 2025—if you’re logging recent seasonals. Museum of Flight

2025 month-by-month planner grid with 12 month tiles and “Date — Event” placeholders
A simple, printable calendar to track debut aircraft, temporary displays, and special events all year.

Debut aircraft & one-offs to target

  • Beaded MiG-21 (Seattle) — The art/aviation crossover of the year; great for photo & video. Runs through Jan 26, 2026. Museum of Flight
  • Wisk “Cora” Gen-5 (Oshkosh) — First autonomous eVTOL in a major U.S. aviation museum collection. Experimental Aircraft Association
  • Early-jets cluster (Oshkosh) — Six classic jets grouped together (rare to see side-by-side); only until mid-Aug. Experimental Aircraft Association
  • Canberra B.2 (Duxford) — Temporary; last look before it returns to RAF Museum. Imperial War Museums

Practical planning tips (book smart, beat crowds)

  • NASM (DC): timed entry is mandatory. Reserve free passes in advance; limited same-day drops at 8:30 a.m. (ET). Check the museum’s Visit page for current rules. National Air and Space Museum+1
  • Opening-day programming (talks, performances) often sells out even when general admission doesn’t—see each museum’s calendar (e.g., MiG-21 Project opening day). Museum of Flight
  • Accessibility: look for pages detailing accessible parking, restrooms, and seating (many U.S. museums publish maps in advance).
  • Photography: for indoor galleries, bring a fast prime; some venues restrict tripods—check policies before you go.
  • Seasonals: temporary clusters (like EAA’s jets) often end quietly; always check the museum’s news feed the week you visit. Experimental Aircraft Association

Handy list by region

U.S. West

U.S. Midwest & South

U.S. Capital Region

UK & Europe

  • Duxford — Canberra B.2 WH725 until Sept 2025; Sea Harrier FA.2 returning to AirSpace. Imperial War Museums
  • London — RAF Museum “To the Stars” (May 12–Sept 28, 2025). RAF Museum
U.S. map with regional lists—Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, Great Plains, Mountain West, Southwest, Pacific, Alaska & Hawaii
Quick reference to organize museum exhibits and dates by geographic region.

Quick FAQ

Do I still need timed-entry tickets for the Smithsonian Air & Space (DC)?
Yes—free timed passes remain required in 2025; same-day releases drop each morning. National Air and Space Museum+1

How long will the MiG-21 art jet be in Seattle?
Through Jan 26, 2026. Museum of Flight

When does the NMUSAF art show end?
The official museum release lists Sept 21, 2025. Air Force Museum

One-page checklist (copy/paste)

  • Lock dates: add MiG-21 (SEA), NASM DC new galleries, Da Vinci (SAN), EAA jets (OSH) window, Return with Honor (PNS).
  • Book timed-entry for NASM (DC). National Air and Space Museum
  • Check each museum’s events page the week of travel for talks/tours.
  • Accessibility: download site maps (parking, entrances, restrooms).
  • Pack light (security); confirm tripod policy if you’re shooting video.
  • For temporary clusters (EAA, Duxford): re-check end dates the day before. Experimental Aircraft Association+1
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