private tour air and space museum dc

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Semi-Private Guided Tour: Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

Explore the skies with expert guides in a semi-private setting.

• Babylon Tours Washington D.C.

From $95

Discover more about this tour

65 years, 7 months, 3 days to turn a 12 second flight wobbling over the sands of North Carolina to the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is the best place in the world to understand that journey! Even at half the exhibition space due to exterior reconstruction, this museum is filled with iconic historical firsts. On your tour you will imagine the terror and excitement as the Wright Brothers first lifted above the beach of Kitty Hawk gazing upon the first airplane- the 1903 Wright Flyer. As you journey to Early Flight you can see the variety that explodes from that first proof of concept including the first military airplane (also designed by the Wright Brothers in 1909). It first flew at the military base attached to Arlington Cemetery just outside Washington DC! Studying the tiny Spirit of St. Louis you can empathize with the exhaustion Charles Lindberg felt as the first to complete a non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. He gives up his windshield to add an extra fuel tank to be sure of his success. Is it crazy if it works? Check out the hidden gems of the development of commercial aviation in the America by Air Atrium, as society develops the technology (and infrastructure) to move people across the globe in hours instead of days! No trip to the museum would be complete without time in Destination Moon. Starting at Alan Shepard’s capsule and spacesuit allowing him to be the first American in space on a 15 minute flight (it doesn’t have to be very long if its the first), the exhibit culminates with the Columbia Command Module of Apollo 11 and Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit allowing him the first steps on the moon. Now we could have stopped there but what fun would that be?!? Jackie Cochran’s T-38 Talon is the perfect place to talk about pushing the limits just to see what can be done for the sake of it. While Amelia Earhart may be more famous due to her disappearance, Jackie Cochran claimed more aviation records at her death in 1980 at 74 years old than any other pilot (FEMALE OR MALE), so you know there are some stories there! From satellite backups, drones, and flying cars the future is on view. As well as the inspiration that draws future (and current) scientists to the exploration of the unknown with the original filming model of Star Trek Enterprise and an X-wing from the Star Wars films! Leave your tour speculating where the next 65 years, 7 months, and 3 days will take us!

Highlights generally include (as long as not on loan or being restored):

1903 Wright Flyer

1909 Wright Military Flyer

Spirit of St. Louis

Jackie Cochran T-38 Talon

Alan Shepard space suit

Freedom 7 capsule

Neil Armstrong space suit

Apollo 11 Columbia capsule

Filming model of Star Trek Enterprise

Filming model of Star Wars X-Wing

“Semi-Private” means group size is never more than 8 guests maximum.

“Private Tour” means tour guide exclusively for you.

Prices Vary Based on Group Size

• Adult $95 18 years of age or older
• Youth $85 Between 10 - 17 years of age
• Child $75 Between 0 - 9 years of age

maconsulting2

We enjoyed every minute of our tour. Terry Gish was our guide and he was extremely knowledgeable and fun. We were all fascinated by his genius when discussing the air and space museum. Thank you so very much for a rich experience and a great day.

Elmorehouse

Our tour guide was great! He took us through the museum to ensure we saw the places he knew would get backed up quick first, so hardly any lines. He was very knowledgeable and told us about the other air and space museum by Dulles as our son is a huge WWII plane buff. It was definitely worth it!

Our guide was informative, friendly, prompt and eager to answer our questions.

The guide was very helpful and very nice!

This tour was amazing!

brianmcm2017

Fantastic tour at the National Air and Space museum We had Jennifer for our 3 hour tour and it was fantastic She had all the facts and it was a great adventure Would recommend Jennifer as she was fantastic

We had a great tour with Glynnce. We booked the small group tour but we were the only ones on the tour. She did a great job hitting the highlights of the museum and was extremely knowledgeable about the details. My son and husband were steady asking questions and she was on point. Great tour!

We took Air and Space Museum tour with guide Terry Gish – it was GREAT! We would highly recommend. It can be a little overwhelming at the museums, there is so much information. It is worth having someone tell you the background on some of the displays, information that you would not be able to read off the display signs. Terry was so knowledgeable and nice. My husband is an engineer and had lots of questions, Terry was terrific in answering them and giving lots of important history. If we get back to DC we will surely book through this company again, and would hope that Terry G was available.

Handywoman9

Our guide, Rebecca, was great! We had been to the Air and Space years ago, and decided do a small group tour this time to find out about the things you can miss because you don't know what to look for. It was the best decision. She had a wealth of information and a true enthusiasm for the subject of planes and such. Since the museum is free, you can always go back on your own if you want to spend more time with some exhibits.

Aaron was our personal small group guide. It turned out to be a private tour for my wife, myself, and 2 boys 11 and 13. It was terrific. Aaron was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He was well organized and made it enjoyable, especially for my boys. I think that if we went by ourselves, it would have been chaotic and not as educational. Big thumbs up.

I booked the semi-private tour for our family, but since we were the only ones who booked, we got a 'private tour.' Aaron was so knowledgeable and friendly that he totally enriched the experience for my husband, son and I. I loved watching my son who has recently come to learn about WWI and WWII fighter planes get into the conversation with Aaron and my WWII buff of a husband. I highly recommend if you have the dollars, book a tour with a knowledgeable guide. We didn't do special tours in the other museums and I'm sure there were things we missed because of it, but Air & Space was the most important to have someone with an extra understanding of the stories.

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is currently accepting reservation requests for adult and youth virtual programs and on-site adult and youth programs.

Currently, there is very limited availability for student and youth programming. No reserved or walk-up public tours are available at the location on the National Mall. Available programs for reservation at the National Mall location are posted through June 2024.

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, located in Chantilly, VA, has reserved youth programs available through June 2024. Programs for Spring 2024 are almost at capacity with a limited number of programs remaining. If you don't see the program you're interested in on certain dates, it may no longer be available. Adult tours can be booked up to a year in advance. 

Please advise that entry passes are still needed even if you are reserving a group program at the National Mall Building in DC.  For groups of ten or more, please follow this link: https://event.etix.com/ticket/e/1029947/ . The museum offers group entry at 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 1:00pm. Order numbers can be found in the top right corner in the eTix confirmation email. Reservation requests without the ticket order numbers will not be accepted.

How to submit your reservation request

You must create a user account in order to request a reserved program at the National Air and Space Museum. After creating your account, you will be able to search for available reserved programs and submit your reservation request.

If you already have an account, please sign in above. Forgot your password?

General tour group Student and Youth group National Air and Space Society Member

Guidelines For Reserving In Person and Virtual Programs

• General Tour Groups : 10 person minimum & 3 weeks advance notice
• Student and Youth Groups : 10 student minimum, appropriate chaperones for the group size & 3 weeks advance notice
• Virtual Groups : 10 participant minimum & 3 weeks advance notice. At least one adult chaperone must accompany students at all times during virtual programs.

Request Confirmation Receipt

When you submit your reservation request, you will receive an automatic email confirming receipt of the request. Within 3-5 days, you will receive further communication from the Tours and Reservations Office confirming we have received your reservation request.  As certain programs require additional staffing to be secured, programs will not be officially confirmed until a week before your visit. Many of our programs require volunteer assistance. If we are unable to secure the required number of volunteers, with will reach out with alternatives. 

• School Year Schedule : Our school year student schedule is released annually on August 1 and includes programs from October through early June.
• Summer Schedule :Our summer student program schedule is released annually on April 1 and includes programs from mid-June through September.

Availability

If you don't see the program you're interested in on certain dates, it may no longer be available. Please check other dates or contact the Tours and Reservations Office for more information.

• Phone : 202-633-2563
• E-mail : [email protected]

Fly High at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

The smithsonian national air and space museum’s second location in virginia boasts hangars full of aviation history., all about the smithsonian's steven f. udvar-hazy center.

Opened in 2003, the  Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center serves as a partner facility to the  National Air and Space Museum . The two locations together attract more than 8 million visits per year, making the National Air and Space complex the most popular museum in the United States.

@abroadwife

For aviation enthusiasts young and old, the Udvar-Hazy Center is just plain cool. The expansive museum consists of two hangars—the Boeing Aviation Hangar and the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar—which house dozens of aircraft and spacecraft. Some of the most notable include the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde and the space shuttle Discovery. The Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar has an observation overlook, allowing visitors to see the preservation and restoration work underway by the Museum’s collections staff.

Things to do at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

The aircraft and spacecraft hanging overhead would be impressive enough, but the Udvar-Hazy Center also offers thousands of additional artifacts to view and many interactive, family friendly exhibits and activities. Prepare to take off and explore Sport Aviation, World War II Aviation, Space Science, and more.  Talk to the Museum’s docents, who are stationed throughout the exhibit space both in person and via web conferencing, and ready to answer your questions and share the stories of the Museum’s collection. Enhance your experience with a giant screen film in the Airbus IMAX Theater (open Wednesday – Sunday), a simulator ride, or virtual reality experience. Before departure, browse the museum store and take home unique aviation and space themed souvenirs.

@masonabba

Visiting the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located at 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway in Chantilly, Va., just minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport. Regular hours are 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The center can be reached by car via I-66 or the Dulles Toll Road. See detailed directions . On-site parking is available for $15 and is free for vehicles that arrive after 4 p.m. The center can also be reached via  Metro . Take the Silver Line to the Wiehle-Reston East station and transfer to the Fairfax Connector Bus No. 983. The bus stops directly in front of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

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From a private tour of the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum to exploring the national monuments in night – These unique experiences showcase Washington DC like never before

A heart of art

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden at the Smithsonian boasts some pathbreaking works of art. Filled with paintings, photographs, and sculptures that used to be part of the collection of the late Joseph H. Hirshhorn, it has since been expanded by curators to include over 12,000 exhibits. Book a private tour to see the top artworks and get an insight into what makes them special.

Surely upworthy

Another impressive one to see is the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum , which is guaranteed to leave even the most blasé visitor spellbound by its huge hall of aircraft hanging from the ceiling! Located on the National Mall, the museum is currently undergoing a refresh, but if the galleries that have reopened already are anything to go by, when you get the whole deal of all 23 galleries reimagined in 2026, it’s going to be a life-changing experience for aviation geeks.

Malling about

After this, you could ride an all-electric Red Roadster with Intrepid Urban Adventures on their Washington Monuments by Night Tour . Stroll along the Tidal Basin at sunset, then drive around the National Mall learning about the city’s origins, and feasting your eyes on the beautifully lit up Washington Monument and many memorials to former US Presidents as you get a sense of the history.

The ‘spy’cing on the cake

What better location for a Spy Museum than Washington, DC? The only museum in the world dedicated to fostering public understanding of intelligence and espionage from a global perspective, it apparently draws from the real-life experience of more than 35 current and former military, technology, policy, and intelligence professionals who have served in various agencies including the CIA, FBI, and KGB, among others, as well as relevant artefacts donated by collectors. Find the expanded, purpose-built building on L’Enfant Plaza, just south of the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall. Its many galleries offer you an immersive experience. Stealing Secrets introduces you to the world of spies and spymasters, gadget makers, scientists, and engineers from past and present.

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Morning Monuments Tour with Optional Guided Entry into US Capitol

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

Explore Washington DC’s top landmarks and monuments on a 3-hour Morning Monuments Guided Sightseeing Tour. Ride on a deluxe air-conditioned coach with full narration from an expert guide. Stop at the White House, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, US Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, and more. See 30+ sites with time to walk around about 10 of them with your guide, who shares the history and little-known facts about the nation’s capitol. With so much to see and so little time, guests can take a memorable journey through DC that is quick, efficient and entertaining. You’ll see it all and still have time to do more in the afternoon. Stop at 10 Sites: • The Capitol Building • Martin Luther King Memorial • World War II Memorial • Lincoln Memorial • The White House • FDR Memorial • Vietnam War Memorial • Korean War Memorial • Air Force Memorial • Iwo Jima Memorial

Ticket Options

5 Options Available

Tour + Washington Monument: $79

Washington Monument Ticket: Please ask your guide or driver for your upgraded ticket when being checked in.UPGRADE: Upgrade your morning monuments city tour to also include Self-Guided Entry ticket to the Washington Monument.

Morning Tour + US Capitol: $135

UPGRADE: Upgrade your 10am Morning Monuments Bus Tour to include afternoon Guided Walking Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress

Tour + African American Museum: $79

African American Museum Ticket: Please ask your guide or driver for your upgraded ticket when being checked in.UPGRADE: Upgrade your morning monuments city tour to also include Self-Guided Entry ticket to the African American Museum.

City Tour Only: $54

Duration: 3 hours

Tour + Air & Space Museum: $79

Air & Space Museum Ticket: Please ask your guide or driver for your upgraded ticket when being checked in.UPGRADE: Upgrade your morning monuments city tour to also include Self-Guided Entry ticket to the Air & Space Museum.

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• Pass by sites including Washington Monument, National Archives, National Mall, Kennedy Center & more
• UPGRADE: option available at checkout to include self-guided entry ticket to African American Museum
• Complimentary Bottled Water (spring and summer months)
• Professional Tour Guide that stays with you through out tour, and walks you through the sites
• UPGRADE: option available at checkout to include ticket to Air & Space Museum for self-guided entry
• See the essential DC monuments, memorials, and attractions
• 3-Hour Washington DC "Monuments By Morning" Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Photo Stops at 10 Attractions including White House, WWII Memorial, US Capitol & Lincoln Memorial
• UPGRADE: option available at checkout to include Guided Walk inside US Capitol & Library of Congress
• UPGRADE: option available at checkout to include ticket to Washington Monument for self-guided entry

What's not Included

• Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• If you purchase an additional tour or ticket: Please ask your tour guide or driver for your upgrade when being checked in.
• All purchases of packages are final. Tickets are not refundable or transferable. Cannot be exchanged for another ticket. Only refundable in the event the site is closed.
• US Capitol Upgrade option: optional upgrade available at checkout to include an afternoon Guided Walking Tour inside the US Capitol and Library of Congress following your Morning Monuments Bus Tour. Your Morning Monuments tour will end at approximately 1-1:15pm at the National Archives. You will have some free time to take a quick break before you head on your own to the US Capitol to meet your guide for the upgraded portion of your tour which will begin at 2pm.
• Guests who do not feel comfortable walking at the stops may modify their tour or remain on the bus at their discretion.

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The original film trilogy follows an unlikely group of unforgettable characters—a farm boy, a senator/Princess, a smuggler, and an alien Jedi knight that use a special energy called "the Force"—to fight the evil Empire lead by Darth Vader.

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