Exploring Air and Space Museum Paris

The Paris Air and Space Museum, also known as Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace, is a must-visit attraction for anyone who has ever dreamed of flying or exploring the stars. Located in the north eastern part of Paris, in the historic suburb of Le Bourget, the museum is housed in an impressive Art Deco building that used to be the main airport of the city. The museum was founded in 1919, shortly after the end of World War I, to preserve and showcase the advances made in aviation during the conflict. Today, it has grown into one of the largest aerospace museums in the world, with an extensive collection of aircraft, spacecraft, engines, weapons, and other artifacts that tell the story of human flight and space exploration. Whether you’re a history buff, a science nerd, or just someone who loves cool machines, you’ll find something to marvel at in this incredible museum.

The history of the Air and Space Museum Paris, from its inception to the present day

The history of the Paris Air and Space Museum is as fascinating as the artifacts it houses. The museum was founded in 1919, just after the end of World War I, when the French government decided to create a national collection of aircraft to commemorate the achievements of French aviators during the conflict. The first exhibits were displayed in a hangar at Le Bourget airport, which had been used as a military airfield during the war. Over the years, the collection grew steadily, thanks to donations from private individuals and aviation companies, as well as acquisitions made by the museum’s curators. Today, the museum boasts an impressive array of aircraft and spacecraft, including many rare and unique examples that can’t be seen anywhere else. Visitors can see everything from early biplanes to supersonic jets, as well as rockets, satellites, and even a full-size model of the Mir space station.

Iconic aircraft and space exploration artifacts on display at the museum

One of the highlights of visiting the Paris Air and Space Museum is getting up close and personal with some of the most iconic aircraft and space exploration artifacts in history. Among the most famous exhibits are the original plane flown by Louis Blériot across the English Channel in 1909, the Concorde supersonic airliner that revolutionized air travel in the 20th century, and the Apollo 11 command module that carried Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins to the moon in 1969. But that’s just scratching the surface of what’s on display here. Visitors can also see rare planes from World War I and II, such as the legendary Spitfire and Messerschmitt fighters, as well as cutting-edge military jets like the Mirage and Rafale. In addition, there are fascinating exhibits on space exploration, including a Soviet-era Soyuz capsule, a mock-up of a Mars rover, and a life-size model of the Huygens probe that landed on Saturn’s moon Titan in 2005.

Immersive exhibits that bring the history of aviation and space exploration to life

The Paris Air and Space Museum isn’t just a collection of static displays; it’s also a place where visitors can experience the thrill of flight and space travel firsthand. The museum has several immersive exhibits that use state-of-the-art technology to bring the history of aviation and space exploration to life. One of the most popular is the Flight Simulator, where visitors can take the controls of a virtual plane or spacecraft and experience what it’s like to fly through the air or navigate through the cosmos. There’s also a planetarium that offers stunning 360-degree views of the night sky, as well as interactive exhibits on topics like aerodynamics, rocket propulsion, and space medicine. For those who want to get even closer to the action, there are guided tours of the museum’s restoration workshops, where skilled technicians work to preserve and restore historic aircraft and spacecraft for future generations to enjoy.

How to visit the Paris Air and Space Museum and make the most of your experience

If you’re planning a visit to the Paris Air and Space Museum, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the most of your experience. First of all, be sure to set aside plenty of time; with over 150 aircraft and spacecraft on display, there’s a lot to see here. It’s also a good idea to check the museum’s website ahead of time to see if there are any special exhibitions or events happening during your visit. And don’t forget to bring your camera; there are plenty of opportunities for amazing photos throughout the museum. When you arrive, be sure to pick up a map and plan out your route ahead of time, so you don’t miss any of the must-see exhibits. And finally, take advantage of the museum’s immersive exhibits and guided tours to get an even deeper understanding of the history and science behind aviation and space travel. Whether you’re a die-hard aviation enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, the Paris Air and Space Museum is an unforgettable destination that’s sure to inspire awe and wonder.

 

Tickets to the Air and Space Museum Paris

Tickets to the Air and Space Museum can be purchased online from the official website or you can buy them from the ticket counter inside the building. There are two types of tickets available – “Check-in Ticket” and “Boarding Pass Ticket”

Check-in Ticket – Give access to the Grande Galerie + Permanent exhibitions + Temporary exhibition

Boarding Pass Ticket – Give access to the interior of a Boeing 747 + Douglas C-47 Dakota + Two Concorde 

General admission (Check-in + Boarding Pass) –  €16 

Reduced rate (Check-in + Boarding Pass) – €14  See conditions

Free entry with a Paris museum pass(time slot booking is not required)

Note: For visitors under 26 years old – The “Check-in” is free, For a “Boarding pass” you have to pay an extra amount of €6 for 4-18 years old and €8 for 18-26 years old.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Paris Air and Space Museum is an incredible destination that’s sure to captivate anyone with an interest in science, history, or just cool machines. From the earliest days of aviation to the cutting-edge technology of space exploration, this museum tells the story of human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of seemingly impossible challenges. Whether you’re marveling at the sleek lines of a supersonic jet or gazing up at the stars in the planetarium, you can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and awe at what we as a species have accomplished. So if you’re looking for a fun and educational day out in Paris, be sure to put the Paris Air and Space Museum on your list. It’s a journey you won’t soon forget.

FAQ's

What are the Museum's Opening Hours?

Open from 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM from 1st October to 31 March, from 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM from 1st April to 30 September. Closed on Mondays, January 1, and December 25

How to get to air and space museum paris?

Take the RER B from the Paris center and get down at Le Bourget Station. Then take the bus 152 from there. Or you can take Metro line 12 and get down at Porte de la Chapelle, then take bus 350. Also, you can take Metro line 7 and get down at Fort d'Aubervilliers then take the 152 number bus.

Is admission to the museum free on first Sundays?

Yes, The museum offers free access on the first Sunday of every month for all visitors.

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