The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles Airport in Virginia is the massive annex of the National Air and Space Museum. This guide covers how to visit in 2026, including parking costs and entry details.
When I first walked into the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, the sheer scale caught me off guard. It is not a museum building — it is two gigantic hangars designed to hold the world’s largest aircraft and spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Concorde. This is where the real big items are kept, making it a pilgrimage site for anyone serious about aviation history. It is a world away from the busy, slightly cramped feel of the main museum on the National Mall in Washington DC.
Quick overview: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution, meaning admission is always free. However, they hit you with a $15 parking fee. The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The main costs here will be parking, food, and the IMAX theatre.
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
| Free admission | Daily: 10:00 – 17:30 | 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA | Everyone | 17:15 approx. |
How much does the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center cost?
Entrance to the museum is free, but you must pay for parking if you drive. Which, in practice, most visitors do. Everything else — the IMAX, simulators, and food — is optional and priced separately.
| Ticket type | Price (USD) | Who qualifies |
| Museum Admission | Free | All visitors |
| Parking | $15.00 | Per vehicle, must be paid on exit |
| IMAX Theater | Varies | Check box office (typically $9–$15) |
| Simulators | Varies | Priced per ride |
Highlighting unusual policy: The $15 parking fee is charged upon exit, not entry. If you are military, check for special discounts — sometimes they offer free parking on certain dates.
Is the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center free to enter?
Yes, admission is free. This is one of the biggest draws. You do not need to pay anything to walk around the hangars, see the aircraft, or visit the Observation Tower and the Restoration Hangar. The Smithsonian does not charge for entry.
5 Washington DC experiences worth booking
- 🏛️ Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the US Capitol Building, with the Library of Congress or Supreme Court included.
- 🏡 Combine George Washington’s Mount Vernon with Old Town Alexandria on a history-packed day tour.
- 🕊️ Take a guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard.
- 🚲 Visit the monuments and memorials of the National Mall on a bike tour that gets you closer than the bus routes.
- 🍽️ Go on a tasting tour of Georgetown’s top foodie highlights.
What time does the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center open?
The centre opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon.
- Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Closed: Christmas Day (25 December)
Warning: The closing time is strict. Security will start clearing the hangars promptly at 5:30 PM, so plan to arrive no later than 3:00 PM if you want to see everything.
These Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center ticket prices and opening times were checked and verified in January 2026, using the official website.
Do I need to book Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center tickets in advance?
No, you do not need to book free passes for the Udvar-Hazy Center. This is unlike the main National Air and Space Museum in D.C., which often requires timed-entry passes. You can simply turn up and walk in. If you plan to see an IMAX show, you should purchase those tickets in advance online to secure your time slot.
History of the center
This location opened in 2003 to house the thousands of artifacts that could not fit into the original museum on the National Mall. It is named after Steven F. Udvar-Házy, an aviation entrepreneur who donated $65 million for its construction. It immediately solved a massive storage problem for the Smithsonian, allowing them to display iconic, oversized aircraft.
Inside: What to see
- Space Hangar: Home to the Space Shuttle Discovery and a number of other large spacecraft. This is where you see the Manned Maneuvering Unit.
- Donald D. Engen Observation Tower: This gives you a 360-degree view of the surrounding area and allows you to watch planes take off and land at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
- Boeing Aviation Hangar: A vast space holding icons like the Enola Gay (which dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima) and the supersonic Concorde. There are over 200 aircraft here, mostly suspended from the ceiling.
- Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar: A viewing area allows visitors to watch museum specialists actively working to preserve and restore artifacts. This is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look.
What’s included with your ticket?
Since admission is free, the following are included in your entry:
- Access to both the massive Boeing Aviation and Space Hangars.
- Ascent to the Observation Tower for airport views.
- Viewing of the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar.
- Free, often daily, Guided Tours led by docents (check the Tour Desk for times).
Things to do near the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Sully Historic Site (4.5km, 7 min drive)
A historical plantation and farm that was home to Richard Bland Lee, Northern Virginia’s first congressman. It offers tours of the 18th-century main house.
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian Cultural Resource Center (10km, 15 min drive)
A lesser-known research and collections facility with some public exhibits. It is a quiet alternative to the D.C. museums.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) (0km, adjacent)
The Observation Tower is the best way to interact with the airport. It is worth parking early to watch the planes come and go.
4. Reston Town Center (16km, 20 min drive)
An upscale outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment district with restaurants and a cinema.
5. Manassas National Battlefield Park (32km, 30 min drive)
The site of two major Civil War battles. It features historical markers, a museum, and over 40 miles of walking trails.
Practical tips
- Location: The center is very close to Dulles Airport (IAD) and is best accessed by car. Public transport options are very limited.
- Time Needed: Plan on spending at least three to four hours to walk both hangars and visit the tower and restoration area.
- Food: There is a Shake Shack on site, which is convenient but can get busy during lunchtime.
- Photography: Photography is generally permitted throughout the center, but avoid flashes near artifacts.
- Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible, with lifts to the upper floors and the Observation Tower.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
| Is the Udvar-Hazy Center better than the D.C. museum? | It holds the larger iconic aircraft like the Space Shuttle and Concorde. The D.C. museum has the smaller iconic objects like the Wright Flyer. |
| How do I avoid the parking fee? | The only reliable way is to be dropped off by a taxi or ride-share service. |
| Is there a dress code? | No, but wear comfortable shoes—you will be walking for hours on concrete floors. |
| Can I see the Enola Gay? | Yes, the complete B-29 Superfortress is displayed in the Boeing Aviation Hangar. |
| What is the IMAX screen size? | The Airbus IMAX Theater boasts a screen that is five stories tall. |
More Virginia travel
Other Virginia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- The small-scale Virginia cider makers driving the cider renaissance.
- Guide to Sherwood Forest – President John Tyler’s plantation.
- Discovering presidents and the first Thanksgiving at Berkeley Plantation.
- Virginia’s best presidential homes for visitors.
- The uncomfortable slavery legacy of Mount Vernon.
