Oakland Aviation Museum

On the historic North Field, where American aviation history was once forged, the Oakland Aviation Museum today hospitably opens its doors. Located in Oakland, USA, this museum occupies a unique building—a hangar built in 1939 for training aircraft mechanics. This is more than just a machinery exhibit; it's a true journey through time, where every display tells its own unique story.

The museum's collection features more than 30 vintage and modern aircraft, both civilian and military. The exhibition space is divided into an indoor section within the historic hangar and an outdoor area, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the scale of these winged machines.

The exhibition places a special emphasis on California's contribution to the development of global aviation. The museum is dedicated not only to technology but also to people: the great aviators, innovators, and pioneers of the skies whose achievements changed the world forever. It will be equally interesting for aviation enthusiasts and families with children looking for inspiration.

To confirm current information before your visit or to book special tours, you can use the museum's official communication channels.

The main draw for visitors is the chance to see a rare specimen—the Short Solent Mark III. This giant flying boat once belonged to the famous Howard Hughes and even "starred" in one of the Indiana Jones films. On weekends, guided tours are held, allowing you to peek inside the historic aircraft and learn about their service details.

Inside the museum, several themed galleries are organized. Special attention should be paid to the exhibits dedicated to the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, women in aviation, and the operations of the famous 8th Air Force. You can also study aircraft engine designs from different eras and learn about the history of airlines such as Transocean Air Lines.

For those seeking a truly exclusive experience, the museum occasionally hosts unusual events, such as themed dinners aboard that very flying boat, serving dishes from historical recipes and showing archival films.

Getting to this aviation center is quite simple, as it is located directly on the grounds of Oakland International Airport, in its historic North Field section. If you are traveling by car from the city center, the trip will take about 15–20 minutes. Convenient parking for visitors is provided on the museum grounds.

For those who prefer public transportation, you can take commuter trains or buses heading toward the airport, and then use a taxi or ride-sharing service to cover the final short stretch to Earhart Road. A taxi ride from the nearest metro stations is also a quick and affordable option.

The history of this place began in 1981 with the founding of the non-profit Western Aerospace Museum. Initially, the collection was housed in a small space in Hangar No. 5, but by 1988, the museum found its current home—Building 621. This hangar is a historical monument in its own right: built in 1939 for the Boeing School of Aeronautics, it served as an important training base for Air Force and Navy mechanics during World War II.

Interestingly, Oakland is often called the "Kitty Hawk of the West Coast." The city earned this unofficial title thanks to a series of aviation breakthroughs. It was from here in 1853 that the first heavier-than-air craft west of the Rockies took to the sky, and in 1883, the first controlled glider flight took place.

The museum also carefully preserves the memory of the legendary Amelia Earhart, as it was from Oakland that she set off on her final, ill-fated flight in 1937. The organization received its current name—the Oakland Aviation Museum—in 2007, finally cementing its status as the primary guardian of the region's aviation heritage.

A basic introduction to the collection and a leisurely look at the main aircraft usually takes about 2–3 hours. This is quite enough time to walk through the hangar and the outdoor exhibition area.

However, if you plan to join a guided tour, study the themed galleries closely, or dream of examining every instrument in the cockpits of accessible planes, it's better to set aside 3–4 hours for your visit. The museum has many small but extremely curious exhibits that are worth your attention.

The museum welcomes guests from Wednesday to Sunday. Doors are open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Please note that the schedule may change on holidays. We recommend checking the official website of the museum before planning your trip to ensure the opening hours are current.

If you still have energy and time after immersing yourself in the world of aviation, the city's surroundings offer many more interesting locations. Exploring nearby attractions will make your day as full and diverse as possible.