U.S. Air Force accepts proffer of up to $7 million for creation of an immersive space-oriented exhibition at the Museum.
Dayton, Ohio– Oct 1, 2026 — The Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., formally announced today that it will be funding a new exhibition at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force that will answer the question, “How do we get to space?”
The Museum is uniquely positioned to tell the story of the partnership between the Department of the Air Force and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Museum’s world-class collection of missiles offers an opportunity because the missiles developed to carry nuclear warheads during the Cold War were also the rockets that launched satellites and astronauts as the United States triumphed in the Space Race.
The Foundation has long supported the Museum’s efforts to include more immersive and interactive content, and is proud to play a pivotal role in this monumental effort, which carries the working title Pathways to Space. “We have supported many space-related initiatives at the Museum, from engines for Rocket Days to restoration of the Atlas Missile, fostering an interest in the science of Space,” said Foundation CEO Seth Baron. “Pathways to Space will expand that by creating an immersive experience that helps visitors understand the history, innovation, courage, and consequences of the Cold War/Space Race period.”
“Pathways to Space will allow us to use the Museum’s collection in a new way to help visitors understand how military requirements, scientific discovery, and technological innovation became intertwined during the Cold War and the Space Race,” explained Museum Director David Tillotson. “Through immersive and interactive experiences, visitors will be able to explore not only how we reached space, but the people, ideas, and technologies that made those achievements possible. The Air Force Museum Foundation’s support will help us bring that story to life for visitors and inspire the next generation to look toward the possibilities of Air and Space.”
The effort will transform the current missile gallery into a 10,000-square-foot immersive experience. Visitors will be able to explore the history and geopolitics of the Cold War and Space Race. Students will be engaged with interactive problem-solving and team-building activities exploring the physics, mathematics, history, geography, art, and cybersecurity of the space and missile programs in alignment with State of Ohio curriculum requirements and Department of the Air Force objectives to foster interest in STEAM+Cyber careers.
Foundation Board of Trustee’s Chair Patricia Young emphasized the important role the Foundation is playing in this effort. “Federal appropriations sustain the Museum’s core mission,” she said. “Private philanthropy through the Foundation expands what is possible. This effort aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen and expand the impact of the Museum by mobilizing philanthropic support, enhancing transformative experiences, and connecting global audiences to the legacy, service, and future of Air and Space.”
The multi-year effort is already underway, with some smaller exhibits already moved to storage so that infrastructure can be upgraded. The Air Force’s acceptance of the proffer means that contracts can be negotiated for work on the upgraded exhibits. No timeframe has yet been established for completion of the project.
About the Air Force Museum Foundation
The Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., is the exclusive 501(c)(3) nonprofit established to support the National Museum of the United States Air ForceTM through private philanthropy, strategic partnerships, and mission-driven revenue. Our mission is to strengthen and expand the impact of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™ by mobilizing philanthropic support, enhancing transformative experiences, and connecting global audiences to the legacy, service, and future of Air and Space. The mission we share with the Museum is to educate, inspire, and connect the world to Air and Space.