What is the Difference Between The Museum of Flight and Boeing Future of Flight?

The short answer: The Museum of Flight is broad in scope and gives you a comprehensive educational look at flight and air travel, while Boeing's Future of Flight is focused on the achievements of The Boeing Company.

The Museum of Flight

The Museum of Flight is one of the most popular attractions in Seattle Southside and the world's largest independent, non-profit air and space museum. This impressive space brings the history of flight to life with more than 175 historic aircraft and spacecraft, tens of thousands of artifacts, millions of rare photographs, dozens of exhibits and experiences, and a world-class library. You'll also find interactive exhibits covering flight history from the Wright brothers to space travel and deep dives into lesser-known slices of U.S. military history. With kid-friendly exhibits and flight simulators, seasonal events, and rotating exhibits, it's a terrific place to check out when you're in the area and a destination for aviation enthusiasts.

Some must-see highlights include:

• Airpark & Boeing 747 – Walk through the world’s first Boeing 747, a Concorde, and Air Force One in the outdoor Airpark.
• Space Travel Exhibits – Explore NASA’s Space Shuttle Trainer, a full-scale mock-up used to train astronauts and check out artifacts from the Apollo space missions.
• World War I & II Galleries – Step into immersive exhibits featuring vintage aircraft, uniforms, and firsthand stories from both world wars.
• Flight Simulators – Try your hand at piloting with fun and challenging simulators for all ages.
• Kid’s Flight Zone – A hands-on, interactive space for kids to learn and play through aviation-themed activities.

Boeing Future of Flight

Boeing Future of Flight hosts a gallery featuring current and future Boeing products, inviting you to explore cutting-edge advancements in space and hypersonic travel, sustainable fuels, autonomous aerial systems, and more. It is also the gateway to tours of the Boeing Everett Factory, the largest building in the world (by volume). The guided tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at airplane production. It will give you a new appreciation of the Boeing assembly process, ingenuity, and the aircraft created in this larger-than-life structure. The center is made possible through collaboration between The Boeing Company, Snohomish County, and Paine Field Airport.

• Boeing Everett Factory Tour – Experience an 80-minute guided tour offering an inside look at the Boeing Everett Factory and the 777/777X assembly process. ​(Availability of certain experiences, such as the Boeing Everett Factory Tour, may vary based on current operations. It's recommended to check the official website or contact Boeing Future of Flight Customer Service for the most up-to-date information.​
• Gallery Exhibits – Explore interactive exhibits showcasing Boeing's legacy of innovation and future aerospace developments, including space exploration and sustainable aviation. ​
• Sky Deck – Enjoy panoramic views of Paine Field, the Boeing Everett Factory, and the North Cascades mountain range, with front-row access to daily flight operations. ​

Directions to the Future of Flight

From Interstate 5 North or South, take Exit 189 and head west. Just past the Boeing assembly building, take a left at the four-way stoplight where Highway 526 intersects with 84th St. SW and Paine Field Blvd. The entry drive for the Future of Flight & Boeing Tour will be on your left.

Parking is free. Children must be 4’ tall to take the Boeing Tour.

There is limited public transportation on weekdays and no public transportation on weekends.

Directions to the Museum of Flight

By Car:
The Museum is very conveniently located just a minute off of Interstate 5, and only 10 minutes south of downtown Seattle.

1. Take exit 158 from I-5.

2. Turn right at the first stoplight (E. Marginal Way S.)

3. The Museum is on the right, 1/2 mile.

Parking:
Free parking is available adjacent to the Museum with limited parking next to the Library and Airpark.
Tour bus parking is located south of the museum in the Boeing Oxbow parking area.

By Bus:
From either downtown Seattle or Tukwila Station, take METRO Bus #124. The bus has a stop directly in front of the Museum.