Exhibits
Featured Exhibits
From Here to There: Explore the science of how things move January 14 - May 12, 2012
Experiment with hands-on exhibits that make learning about gravity, friction, and the laws of motion fun! From Here to There consists of fun, interactive exhibits that are color-coded and divided into three main categories: transportation by land, sea and air. Each exhibit is designed to spark conversation and encourage interaction among families, friends and other museum visitors. Visitors can turn up the heat to launch a colorful hot air balloon, operate an authentic canal lock system to move a boat from one water level to the next, and experiment with pneumatics, pulleys, hydraulics and levers to see what kind of mechanical advantage works best. Air Tubes allow visitors to send colored balls in a rushing channel of air from one station to another. Visitors can watch the balls as they dart across walls, over their heads, and appear at the other station in record time. Stop by and experience it for yourself!
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75 Years of Service: The Incomparable DC-3
It all started with a phone call. CR Smith, the President of American Airlines, had an idea for improving the capacity and passenger comforts in the Douglas Commercial Aircraft, the DC-1 and the DC-2. From this, the DC-3 was born. The inaugural flight of the DC-3 was on December 17th, 1935, the 32nd anniversary of the Wright Brothers first successful flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. In celebration of the DC-3’s 75th Anniversary, we present our latest exhibit commemorating the impact this aircraft had on aviation history.
Permanent Exhibits
Entrance Exhibits
In the Museum lobby is a striking sculpture of a bald eagle with the message "Thanks C.R." The sculpture was created by American Airlines Captain Zandy Carter and presented to the museum. There are also models of the aircraft currently operated by American Airlines and American Eagle, surrounding a globe indicating the airline's worldwide destinations.
History Wall
The History Wall combines hundreds of historic objects with interactive videos, electronic quiz games and audio exhibits that document American Airlines history through the years.
Flightlab
Learn how and why airplanes fly, with wind tunnels, computer games and interactive displays explaining the basics of aerodynamics.
Flight Simulator
Sit in the co-pilot's seat as you fly over the Golden Gate Bridge or "fly-by" a cruise ship in San Francisco Bay. Our two-seat Beechcraft simulator lets you feel the controls of a real airplane. Special volunteer assistance is necessary, so we ask that you please call 817-967-5904 (or 817-967-5912) during operating hours to check availability of the simulator. The simulator is first come, first serve; no appointments necessary. Our current volunteer schedule for simulator: Tues 2pm-6pm, Wed 10am-6pm, Thur 10am-2pm, Fri 10am-3pm. Disclaimer: volunteers operate the simulator and are subject to cancel with little notice. Please call the day of to make sure the simulator is operating.
C.R. Smith
Photographs, awards and other memorabilia give a biographical sketch of C.R. Smith's milestones and achievements. "Mr. C.R." was instrumental in the design of the DC-3 and in shaping the airline industry during his many years as chief executive.
Spirit of American Movie
Catch the "Spirit…" at the C.R. Smith Museum. The Spirit of American is presented in Digital High Definition on a huge 42' X 36' screen. The movie takes viewers from the dream of commercial aviation as C.R. Smith envisioned it and follows the history of a young American Airlines to the present day. It reflects the spirit of pioneering aviators, the spirit of our country and the incredible spirit of one of the best commercial airlines in the world, American Airlines. Narrated by James Garner, Spirit of American's title song is performed by Michael Bolton. A DVD of the movie is available in the Museum Gift Shop.
Working on the Ground
Ever wonder how bags are sorted? Or how an airline processes reservations and issues tickets? Working on the Ground takes you behind the scenes of the important ground operations of American Airlines.
Maintaining the Fleet
See how American Airlines mechanics maintain today's highly complex airplanes. This exhibit includes a gigantic General Electric CF6 engine from the McDonnell Douglas MD-11
An Industry Leader
The Industry Leader exhibit celebrates American's many innovations and "firsts," which have shaped the modern air transportation industry.
Working in the Air
This area's exhibits demonstrate the work of cabin and cockpit crews. One of the highlights of this exhibit is the Fokker 100 cockpit, which shows the flight deck of this American airliner.