History
The building opened in December, 2003, and provides enough space for the Smithsonian to display the thousands of aviation and space artifacts that cannot be exhibited on the National Mall. The two sites together showcase the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world. The Center was named in honor of its major donor, and features the large Boeing Aviation Hangar in which aircraft are displayed on three levels. The James S. McDonnell Space Hangar opened in November 2004 and displays hundreds of space-related artifacts. A special feature of the Center is the National Aviation and Space Exploration Wall of Honor. Situated along the entryway to the Center, the Wall of Honor is a permanent memorial to the thousands of people who have contributed to our aviation and space exploration heritage. Names of honorees are inscribed on the air-foil-shaped wall, which will continue to grow in the years to come.
Specialties
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia near Washington Dulles International Airport is the companion facility to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Among the historic artifacts on display are the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay, and Space Shuttle Discovery. The Donald D. Engen Observation Tower provides an excellent location from which visitors can watch air traffic at Dulles Airport. The Udvar-Hazy Center also offers the Airbus IMAX Theater, flight simulators, a museum store, free group tours, educational programs and activities.