Military Aviation Museum
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Location
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Address
1341 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23457
Collection
World War I and World War II-era aircraft
Established
Opened to the public in 2008
In southern Virginia Beach, Virginia, the Military Aviation Museum brings visitors close to historic military aircraft in a working aviation setting. Its collection includes more than 50 World War I and World War II-era aircraft, displayed in hangars and on a 130-acre campus that also includes historic structures. Some aircraft fly during demonstrations, but flight activity depends on weather and maintenance.[1][2]
The appeal is as much about seeing how aviation history is preserved as it is about identifying individual planes. Visitors can explore the main museum buildings at their own pace, look for rotating exhibits, and consider a docent-led tour for access to additional historic buildings. It is a distinctive counterpoint to the oceanfront: a museum visit rooted in the rural Pungo area of Virginia Beach.
Plan a trip to Military Aviation Museum
Why visit the Military Aviation Museum?
The collection spans the early decades of military aviation, with aircraft from World War I and World War II at its center. Unlike a display of aircraft alone, the museum’s campus connects the machines to the hangars, historic structures, maintenance work and flight demonstrations that keep aviation history tangible. Exhibits and aircraft on display can change, so a favorite plane or gallery is not guaranteed on every visit.[3][4]
It works well for aviation enthusiasts, families with curious school-age children, and visitors interested in military technology and its human stories. The museum also offers a quieter, indoor-focused option for a Virginia Beach itinerary, although aircraft operations and special events can add noise and activity.
Start here
Begin in the main museum building, then explore the Army and Navy hangars. If you want context beyond the labels, ask about the day’s docent tours: routes and featured buildings vary, and places are limited. Check the current schedule before visiting if seeing aircraft in flight is a priority; demonstrations are weather- and maintenance-dependent.[5]
What to see and do
The replica period hangar displays World War I aircraft, including replicas and restored original planes. Access to this building is part of guided tours, so confirm tour availability when you arrive.
The hangars bring together aircraft associated with U.S. Army Air Forces and U.S. Navy service, alongside planes from other countries. Examples listed by the museum include the P-51 Mustang, B-25 Mitchell, Spitfire, Corsair and Avenger; the working collection may change.
Make time for the main building’s exhibits as well as the aircraft. Current displays include material on aviation engineering and the World War II home front; temporary exhibits rotate.
The museum offers a different side of Virginia Beach from the resort oceanfront. Pair it with other city attractions, allowing time for the drive between the southern part of the city and the coast.
History and significance
The museum began with the private aircraft collection of Virginia Beach businessman Gerald “Jerry” Yagen. His wife, Elaine, encouraged making the collection available to the public, and the museum opened in 2008. Its mission has grown around locating, restoring and flying historic aircraft, while using exhibits, education programs and public demonstrations to share their stories.[6][7]
The collection’s significance lies not only in the aircraft but in the work required to keep historic machines operating. Flight demonstrations make that preservation visible, while the museum’s interpretation connects aircraft design and service to the people who built, flew and maintained them. The museum describes its collection as a flying collection, but visitors should not assume a particular aircraft will fly during a visit.
Planning a visit
The museum is at 1341 Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach. Its published hours are daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with closures on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission prices and policies may change; check the museum’s official visitor page before setting out.[8]
The main museum buildings are available for self-guided visits. The museum lists daily docent tours at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., but tours have limited capacity, and routes depend on the docent, weather and availability. Some historic buildings are accessible only as part of a tour. The Fighter Factory restoration and maintenance facility is not open to the public.[9]
The museum says guest parking is free. Accessibility varies across the campus: the main building’s second floor is served by an elevator, while the historic Goxhill Watch Office does not have one. The museum notes that aircraft can be closely spaced in hangars and that staff may be able to help visitors navigate. Contact the museum in advance about specific access needs, and review current information before traveling.[10][11]
Nearby attractions
Virginia Beach
The museum is one of the city’s inland attractions; the oceanfront and other visitor areas are a separate drive away.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
A coastal refuge in the southern part of Virginia Beach, with a very different focus on wildlife and natural landscapes.
First Landing State Park
A state park on the Chesapeake Bay side of the city, known for its coastal habitats and trails.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Military Aviation Museum, Military Aviation Museum. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit, Military Aviation Museum. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Military Aviation Museum, Military Aviation Museum. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Exhibits, Military Aviation Museum. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit, Military Aviation Museum. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Our Mission and Our History, Military Aviation Museum. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Our Founders, Military Aviation Museum. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Hours, Tickets, Directions, Military Aviation Museum. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit, Military Aviation Museum. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Hours, Tickets, Directions, Military Aviation Museum. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit, Military Aviation Museum. Retrieved 2026-10-24.