The Very, Very Good & Some Bad - with Hints
Written: Aug 26 '05 (Updated Aug 27 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: It's so great, you won't believe your eyes!
Cons: Bad food and the crowds are very thick at the main building.
The Bottom Line: The exhibits in this museum are so good, famous, and interesting, it's difficult to believe they are real.
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| philmils's Full Review: National Air & Space Museum |
The National Air & Space Museum is nothing less than spectacular! ...and that's before you even enter one of the three (yes, three!) buildings. The "main" building, the largest of the Smithsonian buildings in DC, is on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The "annex" is at Dulles Airport near Sterling, Virginia, and is so large the Mall building would fit inside with plenty of room left over. These two main buildings house the world's largest collection of aeronautics and space artifacts. The third building, the oldest of the three, is in Suitland, Maryland. I'll try to cover all three buildings, each to the degree I suspect you may need.
First, let me explain that there is a reason for the donation boxes near the entrances and exits of the museum. You tax dollars provide only a very tiny part of the budget needed for the museum. The rest comes from donations, only a small part of which will ever see the boxes at the door, and the sale of food and other items throughout the museum. Still, admission to any public area of the museum is free, with the exception of the IMAX theaters and the planetarium. If you enjoy your overall experience while at the museum, and I think you will, a donation would be very appropriate.
Who will like this? Almost anyone interested in aeronautics or space history. The kids will have a field day!
The National Mall Building
As stated, this is the "main" building, although not the largest. You'll find the exhibits to be very refined and varied. Many people mistakenly refer to the museum as the space museum. It lives up to its true name and recognizes that the world's space programs were built on the backs of the world's aeronautics programs. If you look with an open mind at and attention to detail of the exhibits, you'll see that many advances in space exploration are coupled with advances in aeronautics. The two are now so advanced and technically integrated they each derive benefit from the other. Yes, I have the background and qualifications to say that with some reliability - I work for that funny little federal agency spelled with one N, two A's, and an S, but I don't like to brag about it.
As you approach either the North or South entrances to the building, you'll see two things: The building is huge! There is a very nice and interesting sculpture on each side of the building that relates to some of the contents of the building. Do carry as little as possible since you'll have to go through a security check. Of course, you'll want your camera and money with you. The money is for the neat stuff in the gift shop and to pay for food. This building can take the full day to visit. Plan accordingly. The crowds are almost always very, very heavy. It is best to arrive several minutes before the doors open (open every day except December 25 from 10 am until 5:30 pm). When you first get in, it's best to get your tickets immediately for the IMAX and planetarium shows. Note that there are several different IMAX shows each day, but more on that later. After you get your tickets, then you can go visit the exhibits, but be sure to get all the members of your party to your show about 15 minutes before show time.
Inside, you'll find most of aviation and space history represented before, during and after the Wright brothers. There are myths about the contents of this museum. One of the first is the misconception that the Wright flyer on display is the actual one the brothers used for their historic flight. Even the museum bills it as such. Actually, no one knows exactly what it looked like. There were four flights on that day and the start of an attempt on a fifth. Before they could ready the plane, the wind picked it up and sent it tumbling down the beach. Although "repaired", it was never restored to the exact same design and there are no records of that full design. Yes, that IS the Spirit of St. Louis. Yes, that IS the real spaceship Columbia. Yes that IS a real moon rock you are touching. Expect to find airplanes rockets and space ships of all types, including some that have existed only in works of fiction.
By the way, did you know that aviation pioneer Frederick Marriott is frequently credited with coining the word "aeroplane"? He left his native England in 1850 to join in the California gold rush and did his experiments in the San Francisco area. You can see a great full-sized model of his aeroplane (yes, it did fly and before the Wright Brothers were born!) at the Hiller Museum just a few miles south of the San Francisco airport. I tell you this to set you up for the following: The National Air & Space Museum has a variety of free flicks that play on the premise. One of my favorites is in the "Early Flight" gallery. The Wright Brothers built their work off the people who went before them. It was the work of Otto Lilenthal's work that got them interested. Ironically, their most significant advances came from correspondence with the then Secretary of the Smithsonian, Samuel Langley, who sent them his own aeronautics research notes. Many people before the Wright Brothers had managed to fly contraptions, but there was always something missing - power, the ability to steer, the ability to carry people, or something. The Wright Brothers were the first to get it all together. This area of the museum covers many of the people who pioneered aviation work before the Wright Brothers. I mentioned a film. The film is a compilation of clips presented with a great sense of humor. It gives a little information about the attempts of flight before (and some after) the Wright Brothers, but focuses on the failures. Some of the contraptions may make you break out laughing! Yes, this is real footage of real attempts. Of course, the moving pictures were made after the Wright Brothers flew. I promise I'll try not to say "Wright Brothers" again in this review.
Okay, so you may have the idea that by visiting this museum, all you'll see are airplanes, rockets, and spaceships. Note quite true. We use these machines to explore in ways we cannot on Earth. That includes exploring Earth, itself. Some of the exhibits are about the exploration of Earth, the other planets, and the rest of the universe. Don't be surprised to see Star Trek exhibits. One of my favorite exhibits is not of airplanes or rockets, but how airplanes work - the "How Things Fly" exhibit. This is a great hands-on exhibit for the kid in all of us!
One of my favorite stories about this museum is when they decided to exhibit part of the Enola Gay, the airplane that dropped the first atomic bomb used in warfare. Some people protested the display. In covering the news, one Ohio newspaper must have had their political correctness software turned on when they reported the controversy about the "Enola Homosexual". By the way, the museum was not large enough for the entire plane in the temporary exhibit and now the plane, in its entirety, is on exhibit at the museum’s annex.
The Udvar-Hazy Center
The Udvar-Hazy Center is the annex to the museum on the National Mall. As you approach it, you may realize that the only things diminishing the huge size of the building are the simplicity and that there are no other man-made structures next to it for comparison. The spiraling sculpture out front keeps in spirit with the ones at the entrance to the building on the Mall. Don't like the name of the place? Do like Mr. Udvar-Hazy did and donate tens of millions of dollars so they'll consider naming the place after you.
One really great thing about this center is that it isn't crowded at all. If you arrive just as the doors open, you'll wait in line for security, but the wait isn't long and it moves quickly. There is no need to go through security if you are not carrying any bags or cases.
Depending on where you start, getting to this building may seem daunting. If you are downtown, look into taking the first bus from the Mall building. Try to get tickets days in advance and show up early! The first bus will get you there at about the time the museum opens (10 - 5:30 every day except December 25). It's easy to spend a full day at this museum, so plan accordingly. Bus tickets are $12 and down each, depending on age and how many tickets you buy. There is an extra $2 fee for phone orders. If you drive from downtown, expect to put about 30 miles on your car each way, pay $1.35 in tolls each way, and possibly get lost. Parking at the facility is an inexcusable $12 per vehicle - some say it is to discourage people using the lot as parking when taking a plane out of the nearby airport. Driving directions from downtown are simple, but still people get lost. Get on Constitution Avenue heading west (away from the Capital if you are parallel to the Mall). Constitution Avenue will dump you onto the Roosevelt Bridge (don't look for a sign, just trust the road) over the Potomac River and onto I-66 heading West. Be careful since Route 50 peels of to the right at the end of the bridge. Follow I-66 about 10 miles (rough estimate) to the exit for route 267 and take that exit. After a while (about 2 miles), the road will split into two roads - one toll road and one access to Dulles Airport. Although you're going almost to the airport, lean right and take the toll road. Travel most of the length (about 12 miles) of the toll road (first too booth is $0.75 and the one at your exit will be $0.60) to the exit for Route 28. Take Route 28 South past the exit for the airport and down about 3 miles to the exit for the Udvar-Hazy Center.
The Udvar-Hazy Center isn’t like the museum downtown. You won't see the pretty exhibits and filmstrips explaining the history of the artifacts. Here, you'll find history in the raw - the artifacts in all their full glory and completely unembellished. Yes, you'll find small signs giving you information on the artifacts. Yes, those are real airplanes suspended high over your head inside the 6-story-high main exhibit space. Yes, that really is the Enola Gay. Yes, that really is the entire Boeing 707 prototype. Yes, that really is a full Lockheed SR-71. Yes, that is the deHavilland "Chipmunk" acrobatic plane. Yes, that is a full Concord. Yes, that beautiful wood glider with the enormous wing span that will carry one person was designed and built by Germany in WWII. Yes, most of these planes actually flew to this building. You might want to strike up a conversation with one of the docents to find out which one John Travolta piloted to the facility. Don't miss the experimental airplanes, the ultra-lightweights, the rotorcraft, and other such!
Also, don't miss the space hanger with over 113 major artifacts, plus over 500 smaller ones, which will absolutely astound you! See full-sized prototypes of various space research platforms high overhead as if they were in real flight. See the newly restored space shuttle Enterprise and be awed by its size! Yes, you'll even find a certain model spaceship (I won't spoil the surprise!) used in the filming of a famous film. When you find that model, you may want to ask a docent to help you locate the fun and unexpected things on the model, such as the cemetery plot.
Now, I need to give you some sense of perspective. I described how much is in the space hanger. That is a very small area compared to the main display room, which is devoted mostly to aircraft. You may remember that I mentioned the National Air & Space Museum building on the Mall, the largest Smithsonian building in DC, would easily fit inside the main area. This place is huge!
The gift show at this facility is much smaller than the one in DC, but very few items are duplicative over the two facilities. I find most of the items to be expensive, but remember that this is a good source of income for the museum.
You are welcome to bring your camera, but I think you'll find most shots to be rather cluttered. It is difficult - usually impossible - to take a photo of most of the exhibits without getting in several other exhibits at the same time. Then, there are times when parts of the building structure are in the way of what could otherwise be a great shot.
The Engen Tower is both a lookout tower and a simulated airport control tower. You get a great view of the Dulles Airport area from the upper level and can watch planes land and take off. The level below the lookout tower is the simulate airport control tower using an airport in New Jersey as the model. If you are not familiar with the workings of a control tower, you might enjoy it for a few minutes. There are no tickets available for the tower. You stand in line and the line can get a little long as the day gets along. It is best done early in the day when you can usually get in line and catch the next elevator up. This part of the museum closes early each day.
The Paul E. Garber Facility
I mention the Paul E. Garber Facility only for completeness. For many years, this was the big warehouse and restoration facility. Now, it is mostly used for restoration of artifacts. It is a wonderful tour, if you can get it. Tours are not available to the general public. If you are properly connected to an aeronautics research university or institute or an aircraft company (as examples), you can probably arrange for a tour. Expect to be required to wear a hard hat.
The IMAX and Planetarium Shows
There are IMAX shows and there are IMAX shows. Just because you went to see an IMAX show once in your life does not mean you know what all IMAX shows are like - that is a mistake my Mother often makes. I'll describe some of what is playing that you can see and something that you won't see, just as a bit of a tease. Hint: the best seats are usually dead center a few rows back from the center cross-over aisle, but get in early to be able to get to them.
Currently, there are four different IMAX shows available through the National Air & Space Museum, but not all four can be found at each of the theaters, one of which is at the main building on the National Mall and the other at the Udvar-Hazy Center annex. "To Fly!" and "Fighter Pilot Operation Red" play at both theaters. "Space Station" is at the main building and "Adrenaline Rush" is at the Udvar-Hazy Center.
"To Fly!" is shown only once a day in each theater. See it! Get tickets well in advance! This is one of the most beautiful films ever made! No, I am not over using exclamation marks in this case! Stay until the final credits roll and you will be amazed at the awards this film has won. Then again, maybe they are listed at the beginning - I forget and it doesn't matter where it is. The film starts with a balloon flight. Be prepared for more than a few smiles and maybe even some tears of joy! I said it starts with a balloon flight. You can bet it doesn't stay that way! Yes, I'm still not over using exclamation marks!
"Fighter Pilot Operation Red" is for both the kid and the patriot in you. It is a wonderful recruitment film for the US Air Force, and I do not say that as a cut. Yes, you will find it to be quite a rollercoaster ride! This film takes you on a massive training exercise in the Nevada desert with military planes from all over the world. It explains how and why the exercise is conducted.
"Space Station" is about the building and operation of the International Space Station. Expect to see some beautiful footage shot from space. Also expect to see astronauts floating and playing with things in near-zero gravity.
The title "Adrenaline Rush" explains what the movie is about. Yes, you can expect the type of footage that takes you on a virtual rollercoaster ride. In this case, it may be from the viewpoint of someone who is diving out of a plane or off a cliff. I think you get the idea. It is for the kid at heart if not in fact and is fun.
Every once in a while, the IMAX cameras are taken up on one of the space shuttles and to the International Space Station. When that happens, the raw footage is usually screened to a private audience in the main building on the National Mall. I have been fortunate enough to be at most of those. There is no sound, there is just the raw footage and in the clearest form in which it will ever be shown. The "sound" provided is the live narration by the astronauts that were on that trip. As you might imagine, the chances of an IMAX camera going up again in the near future is practically nil, so enjoy the existing footage!
The only planetarium in the National Air & Space Museum is in the main building on the National Mall. It has two excellent shows, "Infinity Express" and "The Stars Tonight". The 20-minute "Infinity Express" is a tour out of our solar system, past the Milky Way, to the very edge of the known universe, and back. It explores questions such as how big the universe might be, where it all might end, and if we might be alone. "The Stars Tonight" is the typical planetarium show, but still very good, shown as a journey through the stars, constellations and other items seen in a typical evening sky. Since it uses live narration, the running length may vary slightly and is offered only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5 pm.
The Food
UGH! That fairly well says it for the on-site food services. If you can get a tour of the Garber Facility, expect small vending machines at most. The Udvar-Hazy Center has a McDonalds, if you can stomach that - plus the prices can be a little higher than what you may pay at the one near your home. The main building on the National Mall has a fast food court with bad service, bad food, bad crowds, and bad prices. Fortunately, there are alternatives.
If you are at the Garber Facility, your best bet is to ask the person giving you the tour. He or she will guide you to some of the local food places that are off-site.
If you are at the Mall, your best bet is to head out the South exit (the one without the moon rock), cross the street while ignoring the street vendors, and go down 6th Street to D Street. Turn left on D Street and eat at one of the places along the next couple of blocks. If you are willing to go down to 3rd and D Streets, you can eat at the Ford House Office Building probably cheaper than anywhere else around and still get decent food. Just ask the guard how to get to the cafeteria.
At the Udvar-Hazy Center, you are stuck at McDonald's unless you have a car. If you have a car, you can get back in on your same parking pass, but ask at the gate on the way out for details. Get back on Route 28 South and go less than half a mile to Route 50 (next interchange). If you go west on Route 50, take a left at the second traffic light and another immediate left onto the service road. The little strip shopping center on the right has some good restaurants. If you go east on Route 50, there are several strip shopping centers, mostly bunched on the left with all types of restaurants. Some are a little off Route 50. You'll find it easy to get back to the Udvar-Hazy Center.
The Flight Simulators
The flight simulators at the main building are better than those at the Udvar-Hazy Center, but that partly depends on what you want and what you buy. Expect different experiences depending on where and what you do.
The simulators at the main building can give a real joy ride, but the general public is not permitted on those programs. Still, there are some exciting rides available to the public. You can also elect a smoother ride that may not be so likely to upset your younger kids or may be more suitable for someone with a bad back. At either facility, you'll find multiple programs available, some for aircraft and some for space experiences. The crowds are larger at the Mall site, so they have far more machines there. The 4-minute rides are $6 each at Udvar-Hazy and $6.50 each on the Mall. Riders must be at least 42 inches high unless accompanied by an adult. Sometimes the lines get very long.
Is this a good place to visit? You bet! Kids will love it. So will you! Yes, the food is bad and the crowds in the main building are bad, but what you experience is well worth it.
Whew! Bet you thought you would never get to the end of this review. Well, you did.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
philmils
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Location: Sterling, Virginia, USA
Reviews written: 39
Trusted by: 30 members
About Me:
Unthinking regard for authority is the greatest enemy of Truth. - Albert Einstein
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