A Journey Through Houston’s Aviation History
Founded in 1998 by the Houston Aeronautical Society, the 1940 Air Terminal Museum exists to preserve the Houston aeronautical heritage and is currently the only museum of its kind to showcase Houston’s extensive history and key role in the advent of civil aviation.
The museum is housed inside the Houston Municipal Airport Terminal at William P. Hobby Airport. The building itself is a relic from a bygone era of architectural history – its Art Deco facade not only makes the building an absolute eye-catcher, but also fits perfectly with the exhibits in the museum itself.
A guided tour of the various exhibitions is highly recommended, especially as some of the museum guides are former pilots themselves, with lots of professional experience and passion for their craft. You can be sure that even your most complicated questions will be answered.
Numerous events also take place throughout the year. At the monthly Open Ramp Day, for example, areas of the airport that are otherwise not freely accessible are opened up to plane spotters. Another annual event is the annual Houston Airlines Collectibles Show, where you have the opportunity to purchase retro memorabilia from days long gone.
Exhibitions at the Air Terminal Museum
Civil aviation is not just about aircraft, but also about the people who work on them. This is why one of the many exhibitions has been specifically dedicated to numerous aviation staff. This includes various uniforms worn by stewardesses, during the days in which even passengers made sure to dress their finest when going on a flight.
A wide range of technical and non-technical equipment, ranging from teletypes, radios to navigational maps are also on display in the museum’s Aviation Meteorology and Air Traffic Control Galleries. Here you can also learn more about Houston’s role in civil aviation history.
The young guests have also been thought of, because what could be a bigger dream for children than to fly? In the Children’s Dream of Flight Gallery you will find numerous avation-themed toys and inspring books in a reading library.
Annual Raffle Plane
Would you like to have your own plane but don’t have enough money? The Air Terminal Museum has the solution for you! In the annual plane raffle, you have the opportunity to be entered into the draw for a small plane by purchasing a $50 ticket.
Getting Married in the Air Terminal
The really big airplane fans among you might like the idea of saying yes in the Air Terminal. And what could be more scenic than a wedding celebration in the style of the 1940s Art Deco movement, with classic airplanes?
All we can say is that if you’re looking to throw a celebration in vintage style, Houston’s 1940 Air Terminal is the place to be.
