The museum is home to the Westpac Restorations facility, where actual restoration work on historic aircraft is visible to the public.
It is one of the few museums globally that consistently keeps its collection in flyable condition rather than static display.
The site features a rare, operational B-25 Mitchell bomber.
The museum property is situated on a restricted-access corridor of the Colorado Springs Airport.
Its collection includes aircraft representing both the European and Pacific theaters of operation.
The museum maintains an extensive library of flight manuals and engineering blueprints from the 1940s.
The National Museum of World War II Aviation is a specialized facility focused on the restoration and exhibition of operational aircraft from the 1939-1945 era. Located on the grounds of the Colorado Springs Airport, the museum functions as a center for both historical preservation and active aeronautical engineering. The collection emphasizes flyable warbirds, meaning many aircraft undergo constant maintenance to remain airworthy. Visitors view the restoration hangar, where aircraft are disassembled and returned to flight status by specialized technicians. Exhibits cover the technological advancements in aviation that defined the Allied war effort. The facility occupies a hangar complex designed to accommodate large, multi-engine bombers and fighters. It serves as a living laboratory for aviation history, distinguishing itself from static display museums. Educational programming focuses on the mechanical processes involved in wartime aircraft design. The museum maintains an active community of docents, many of whom are veterans or experienced pilots.
From the raised mezzanine viewing area looking down into the main restoration hangar floor.
Prioritize the guided hangar tours to see active maintenance and restoration work in progress.
Check the museum's flight schedule, as some aircraft may be off-site for airshows or maintenance.
Bring a camera with a high-zoom lens to capture details on the aircraft parked in the expansive, high-ceiling hangar.
Assuming all aircraft are permanently on display, as restoration projects or flying events often rotate the inventory.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking through hangar floors; refrain from touching aircraft surfaces.
