San Diego Air & Space Museum, Aviation and space museum in Balboa Park, United States.
The San Diego Air & Space Museum houses aircraft, spacecraft, and technological exhibits throughout multiple galleries inside the Ford Building in Balboa Park. The collections span from early aviation to modern space exploration, displayed across specialized themed sections.
A major fire destroyed the original museum in 1978, but it reopened in 1980 inside the Ford Building, originally constructed for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition. This recovery transformed the historic structure into a key cultural institution for the region.
The museum celebrates pioneers who shaped aviation and space exploration through a dedicated hall of fame that honors their contributions. Visitors can trace how individual achievements transformed technology and human capability over generations.
The museum operates daily and offers interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and guided tours suitable for all ages. Weekday visits are generally less crowded, making it easier to explore the galleries at your own pace.
The museum displays the only genuine operational GPS satellite available for public viewing in any museum worldwide. This rare piece allows visitors to see an actual space-based technology up close in ways not possible elsewhere.
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