Air Mobility Command Museum

About

The Air Mobility Command Museum sits on Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, preserving the remarkable history of military airlift and air refueling operations. It's the only museum in the country dedicated to this mission, and it's earned recognition as one of the top museums in the region from travelers worldwide.

Housed in a restored 1944 hangar that once served as the base's original operations center, the museum brings decades of aviation history to life. Inside, you'll find more than 30 aircraft and thousands of artifacts spanning from World War II through modern operations. The collection includes cargo planes, fighters, helicopters, and presidential aircraft - each with its own story of service.

The indoor hangar is the heart of the experience. Massive aircraft fill the space, and interactive displays explain the mechanics and missions behind each one. You can explore cockpits on select aircraft and see detailed exhibits about the Berlin Airlift, Operation Vittles, and humanitarian missions that shaped global history. Kids and adults alike are drawn to the hands-on exhibits and flight simulators.

Outside, the airpark features additional aircraft displayed along paved pathways. Walking among these towering planes gives you a real sense of their scale - something photos simply can't capture. The C-141B Starlifter is a particular highlight, and visitors can actually go inside for a closer look.

Admission is completely free, making this an excellent stop for families. The museum also operates a gift shop stocked with aviation memorabilia, books, and model kits. Volunteers, many of them veterans with firsthand experience, staff the museum and love sharing stories about the aircraft and missions.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, though hours can vary for holidays and special events. It's located just inside the base's visitor entrance, and you'll need a valid photo ID to enter. Dover itself is easy to reach from major East Coast cities, sitting right off Route 1 in central Delaware. Plan for at least two hours to take it all in - aviation enthusiasts could easily spend a full morning here.

Accessibility

The Air Mobility Command Museum is wheelchair accessible across its main areas. The display hangar's main floor, museum store, and restrooms are all handicapped accessible, so visitors using wheelchairs or mobility devices can explore the primary indoor exhibits without barriers.

Outside, the airpark features paved pathways connecting the displayed aircraft, making it generally wheelchair and stroller-friendly. The C-141B Starlifter aircraft has a ramp specifically designed for wheelchair access, allowing mobility device users to experience the inside of this historic cargo plane.

Service dogs that are specially trained to assist people with disabilities are welcome throughout the museum. Pets are not permitted on the grounds.

The museum is housed in a single-story hangar, which helps keep the main exhibit space accessible without the need for elevators or lifts. The open floor plan of the hangar provides wide clearance around most aircraft displays.

A few practical notes for visitors with disabilities: the museum sits on Dover Air Force Base, so all visitors need a valid photo ID to enter through the base gate. If you need specific accommodations or have questions about current accessibility features, it's worth calling ahead at (302) 677-5938. Staff and volunteers are generally available to assist during your visit.

Contact the museum directly for the most current details on sensory accommodations, accessible parking availability near the hangar entrance, and any temporary accessibility changes due to construction or special events.

More accessible places in Delaware

• Biggs Museum of American Art (Dover)
• Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village (Dover)
• Dover International Speedway (Dover)
• First State National Historic Park (Dover)
• Delaware Art Museum (Wilmington)
• Delaware Museum of Nature and Science (Wilmington)