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

Did you know that, even though they have similar names, there are a lot of differences between the Museum of Flight on East Marginal Way in Tukwila and the Future of Flight Aviation Center, which is located in Mukilteo, 25 miles north of Seattle.

The Museum of Flight

The Museum of Flight has historic aircraft and space exhibits. From the Wright brothers to outer space—the wonder of flight comes alive in more than 85 historic aircraft, interactive exhibits and family activities.

The Museum's mission is to educate visitors. The staff acquires and conserves a valuable collection of artifacts relating to air and space history and technology.

They, in turn, exhibit artifacts in an educational and entertaining manner, which motivates the young, educates the novice, and stimulates the professional. This results in the education of the public in the history of air and space development, science, and the humanities.

The Future of Flight Aviation Center is home of the famous Boeing Assembly Plant and offers interactive exhibits in the Gallery. On the Boeing flight line, visitors will see airplanes in various stages of flight test and manufacture for airline customers around the world.

At the Future of Flight Exhibit, you’ll learn about the history and innovative spirit of Boeing through interactive exhibits, a flight simulator, and a mockup of the ultra-modern Dreamliner Interior. After you learn about the past, present, and future of Boeing, it’s time to witness the assembly process in action…

The Boeing Factory is the largest building in the world. The assembly plant is where the 747, 777, and 787 “Dreamliner” come together in spectacular fashion. Look down from the “Strato Deck” and view planes in various stages of assembly. The factory will give you a new appreciation of the Boeing assembly process and ingenuity, and the highly advanced planes created in this larger than life structure.

To sum it up, the Museum of Flight focuses on where we've come from in the history of flight and the Future of Flight focuses on where we are going.

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.

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Author

Meagan McGuire