Located in Denver's bustling suburb of Aurora, Colorado, the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is a must-visit stop for all aviation enthusiasts. With over 50 aircraft, artifacts, and space vehicles, the museum showcases a range of exhibits that offer an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
The Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum was established in 1994 and has since become one of the largest aviation museums in the Rocky Mountain region. The museum is housed in a historic hangar built in 1939 at the former Lowry Air Force Base. This hangar, which was once used to repair and maintain B-52 bombers, was refurbished and transformed into a museum in the early 1990s.
In addition to the main museum in Aurora, the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum also has a satellite location at the Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colorado. This satellite exhibit, called Exploration of Flight, features interactive displays and several static aircraft exhibits.
The museum's exhibits offer a glimpse into the rich history of aviation and spaceflight. Visitors can explore a variety of aircraft, from World War II fighters and bombers to modern jets and helicopters. The museum also exhibits an impressive collection of space vehicles, including a replica of the Mercury spacecraft and the Star Wars X-Wing Fighter used in the movie \"The Empire Strikes Back.\"
One of the highlights of the museum is the Apollo 13 Command Module, which played a key role in the famous 1970 NASA mission. The module, named Odyssey, carried astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise into space and returned them safely to Earth after their spacecraft suffered an explosion. Visitors can see the actual command module and learn about the historic mission that captured the world's attention.
The museum also features a flight simulator, where visitors can experience the thrill of flying in a virtual cockpit. The simulator offers a range of scenarios, from dogfighting in a World War I biplane to flying a modern F-16 jet.
The Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is constantly expanding its exhibits and programs to offer visitors an even greater experience. In 2020, the museum opened a new exhibit called \"Project 7\" that features the restoration of a rare B-18 Bolo bomber. The exhibit allows visitors to watch as the aircraft is brought back to its original condition, providing a unique insight into the world of aviation restoration.
The museum's Exploration of Flight satellite exhibit is also set to expand with the construction of a new facility at Centennial Airport. This new facility will feature interactive exhibits, immersive experiences, and even more aircraft displays.
The Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $10 for children aged 4-16. Children under the age of 4 can enter for free. The museum offers guided tours, group discounts, and special events throughout the year.
For aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and space fans, the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is a must-visit destination in Aurora, Colorado. With its impressive collection of aircraft, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences, the museum offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
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