Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, located in Chantilly, Virginia, is part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Opened in 2003, this expansive facility serves as a companion to the museum's main building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Udvar-Hazy Center houses thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including some of the most iconic and historically significant aircraft and spacecraft ever built.

The center's two massive hangars, the Boeing Aviation Hangar and the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar, display a wide variety of exhibits. Highlights include the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Enola Gay (the B-29 Superfortress that dropped the first atomic bomb), and the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet-propelled aircraft ever built. The center also features the Donald D. Engen Observation Tower, which provides panoramic views of Washington Dulles International Airport and the surrounding area, and a state-of-the-art IMAX theater.

Open year-round, the Udvar-Hazy Center offers educational programs, guided tours, and interactive exhibits, making it a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. With its extensive collection and engaging displays, the center provides a comprehensive and immersive experience into the history of flight and space exploration.