When Will the Carolinas Aviation Museum Reopen?
The Carolinas Aviation Museum, located on the grounds of Charlotte’s Douglas International Airport, was established in 1995 with the goal of promoting and preserving the rich history of aviation in the region. The museum has long been a popular destination for families, aviation enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. However, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the museum has been closed for several months, leaving fans and visitors wondering when they will be able to enjoy the exhibits and aircraft again.
When Will the Carolinas Aviation Museum Reopen?
As of the latest update, the Carolinas Aviation Museum is expected to reopen by summer 2023, with a tentative reopening date of June 1. The museum has been closed since March 2022 due to the pandemic-related health and safety concerns, and the team has been working diligently to ensure the safe and enjoyable experience of its visitors.
Phased Reopening Plan
The museum has developed a phased reopening plan to safely reintroduce visitors to its facilities. The plan consists of several stages, starting with the reopening of select exhibits and outdoor attractions, followed by the reinstatement of guided tours and aviation educational programs. Once all safety protocols are deemed successful, the museum plans to reopen its aircraft display hangar.
Safety Measures
In an effort to maintain the highest level of safety for its visitors, the museum will implement several measures:
• Temperature checks and social distancing: Visitors and staff will undergo temperature checks and maintain a safe physical distance from each other, where possible.
• Masks required: To prevent the spread of respiratory droplets, masks will be mandatory for all staff, visitors, and anyone else entering the museum building.
• Increased hand hygiene: Hand sanitizer dispensers will be placed at various locations throughout the facility, and visitors are encouraged to wash their hands regularly.
• Limited occupancy: The museum will establish a limited capacity to control the number of visitors on-site at any given time.
New Exhibits and Attractions
In response to the pandemic, the Carolinas Aviation Museum will be introducing new exhibits and attractions to enhance the overall experience for visitors:
"Flight for the Ages" Exhibit: This brand-new exhibit will feature some of the most significant flights in aviation history, showcasing aircraft and artifacts from important moments in aviation history, such as the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight, Amelia Earhart’s cross-country flight, and Neil Armstrong’s moon landing mission.
"Women of Flight" Exhibit: Another new exhibit will focus on the contributions of women to the field of aviation, recognizing the achievements of female aviators, pilots, engineers, and other pioneers of flight.
AIRCRAFT DISPLAY HANGAR REOPENING
For aircraft enthusiasts, the long-awaited reopening of the exhibit hangar is expected in late summer 2023. The hangar has been closed for renovations since early 2022. Visitors will once again have the opportunity to get an up-close look at several aircraft on display, including the North American P-51 Mustang, the Bell UH-1 Huey, and DC-3 airliners.
TABLE: Timeline for the Carolinas Aviation Museum Reopening Plan
Phase | Expectations | Timeline |
---|---|---|
1: Reopening of Select Exhibits and Outdoor Attractions | Opening of select exhibits, outdoor attractions, and staff | March 2022 – June 2023 |
2: Reinstatement of Guided Tours and Aviation Education Programs | Resumption of guided tours and aviation educational programs | June 2023 – September 2023 |
3: Reopening of the Aircraft Display Hangar | Completion of renovations and restocking of aircraft exhibits | Late Summer 2023 |
4: Full Reopening of Museum Facilities | Final stage in the reopening plan, aiming to restore all exhibits, facilities, and services to normal operations | Late Fall 2023 |
By adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols and reintroducing new exhibits and attractions, the Carolinas Aviation Museum is poised to rebound and continue to serve its community as a premier hub for aviation enthusiasts and educators alike.