May 30, 2024 – The countdown has begun. The Sullenberger Aviation Museum, formerly Carolinas Aviation Museum, is opening June 1.
Tickets for opening day are already sold out but are available for other days during the operating hours of 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
“Visitors can expect both a celebration of the Carolinas’ rich aviation history and a look to the future as we foster opportunity in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields throughout the region,” said Stephen Saucier, president of Sullenberger Aviation Museum.
The three-building campus, located at 4108 Minuteman Way, includes a welcome center, main exhibit hall and a preserved historic hangar complemented by an outdoor plaza with additional historic aircraft and views of CLT’s airfield.
Awaiting aviation enthusiasts of all ages are more than 45 historic aircraft, flight simulators, immersive multimedia, interactive exhibits and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education programs.
The $32 million facility is named after Capt. C.B. “Sully” Sullenberger, who landed Charlotte-bound US Airways Flight 1549 safely in the Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009. All 155 people on board survived. The incident became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” The plane is a main attraction at the museum.
“I feel most hopeful about the opportunities the museum will bring to our neighbors in west Charlotte and communities who have traditionally been underrepresented in the aviation industry, especially women and people of color,” Saucier said. “Aviation is one of the most transformative industries in the world, yet it’s historically only been accessible to financially advantaged communities. That’s why a primary focus of the museum will be providing exposure and equitable access to students for career exploration in fields related to STEM, which are vitally important to driving innovation and economic growth and mobility.”
Museum admission is $24 for adults, $20 for seniors (age 65+), veterans, military and educators and $18 for students (ages 5 to 17). Children under 5 years old are free. Annual memberships also are available for purchase on the museum’s website.
More information can be found on the museum’s website.
