National Naval Aviation Museum Remains Open Seven Days a Week; General Public Access to NAS Pensacola is limited to Weekends
The National Naval Aviation Museum would like to provide clear guidance regarding public access. The Museum remains open seven days a week and continues to welcome visitors throughout the year.
At this time, access to the Museum is determined by base entry requirements at Naval Air Station Pensacola, as directed by the Commanding Officer.
Department of Defense (DoD) ID cardholders may visit the Museum seven days a week. You may escort up to 15 people (those over 18 must have valid Real IDs) in the same vehicle and must remain with them at all times.
Members of the general public (non-DoD visitors) can currently access the Museum on Saturdays and Sundays.
All individuals 18 years of age and older who do not hold a Department of Defense ID card and are planning to visit the National Naval Aviation Museum will need to complete the following steps:
Stop at the Visitor Control Center - Before accessing the installation, all visitors must go to the Visitor Control Center located at the main front gate at the south end of Navy Boulevard. All visitors 18 and older must present a valid government-issued ID, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a U.S. passport.
All non-Department of Defense personnel must complete a background check to obtain a visitor pass. At the Visitor Control Center, individuals will undergo a background check and be issued a visitor pass.
Once a visitor pass is granted, individuals will proceed to the West Gate entrance, located at the south end of Blue Angel Parkway.
Visitors should plan extra transit time for the security process.
“We want our visitors to know that the Museum is open and ready to welcome them,” said Kyle Cozad, RADM (Ret), President and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. “While access varies during the week, we continue to offer a world-class experience for all who can visit.”
Visitors are encouraged to plan and review current access guidelines before arriving. For the latest information, please visit: navalaviationmuseum.org
About the National Naval Aviation Museum
Located aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, the National Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s largest museum dedicated to naval aviation and one of the most visited museums in Florida. Spanning nearly 350,000 square feet, the museum showcases more than 150 meticulously restored aircraft representing the aviation arms of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Key attractions include Hangar Bay One, featuring post-WWII aircraft such as the presidential helicopter Marine One, state-of-the-art HD flight simulators, and a cutting-edge laser-powered Giant Screen digital theater. Guests can enjoy a variety of sandwiches, snacks, and beverages at the TOPGUN Café, conveniently located at the museum entrance, and are encouraged to stop by the Flight Deck Store before departure to find souvenirs that reflect the legacy and spirit of Naval Aviation. Admission to the museum is always FREE.