The Palm Springs Air Museum, a cherished local attraction, is soaring to new heights with a $3 million upgrade designed to position it as a premier destination. The ambitious renovation, already underway, aims to enhance both the museum’s aesthetic appeal and its functional capacity, reflecting the spirit of mid-century modern architecture and the sleek design of a turbine engine.
A Modern Makeover
The centerpiece of this transformation is a striking new entrance inspired by the elegance of turbine blades and mid-century modern design. This upgrade promises to dramatically alter the museum’s frontage on Gene Autry Trail, ensuring that visitors immediately recognize the museum as a place of significance and innovation. “You’re going to know where the front door is. You’re going to feel like you’ve arrived at a place that is special and unique to Palm Springs,” said Dan Ringler of HED, the architecture firm behind the redesign.
Enhancing the Visitor Experience
Scheduled for completion in February 2025, the renovation will introduce a 400-seat classroom, a new gift shop, and a corporate office, all designed to improve visitor flow and accommodate the increasing number of student visits. The changes also include an expanded queuing and ticketing area, complete with new bathrooms, and a relocation of the gift shop to the building’s wing, enhancing the exit experience.
The museum, home to over 75 airframes from World War II and beyond, is one of the few that offers flights in vintage planes. It prides itself on being a “living history museum dedicated to educating the public about the role air power played in preserving American liberties and way of life.”
Meeting Growing Demands
With annual attendance surpassing 150,000, the nearly 30-year-old institution has outgrown its current facilities. According to museum Vice Chairman Fred Bell, the increased visitor numbers necessitated these updates. “It’s a big change. Really, we have outgrown this area here. And our mission of education has expanded so much that we need the additional capacity,” Bell explained.
The museum’s new façade, influenced by airplane turbines and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, will not only modernize the exterior but also protect the building from the harsh sun. Bell is confident that the new design will captivate young visitors and ignite their excitement for aviation. “The exterior of the building now, no matter how many airplanes we put around it, or how many monuments, doesn’t really evoke aviation. Where this will have a real feel to it,” he said.
Securing the Future
Funding for the project has largely come from private donors, who have contributed $2.5 million, with the museum still seeking an additional $500,000 to cover contingencies. Bell views this project as a personal mission, ensuring that the museum remains a vibrant educational resource for future generations. “This project has kind of become my life’s work. Our role is to make sure that we plan and deliver a functional facility for future generations,” he stated.
As the Palm Springs Air Museum reaches for the sky with its impressive renovation, it reaffirms its commitment to preserving and celebrating the legacy of aviation. This transformation not only honors the past but also inspires future generations to look to the skies with wonder and curiosity.
At the Palm Springs Air Museum, there’s always something new to discover. Home to one of the world’s largest collections of static and flyable aircraft from WWII through the War on Terror, the museum offers a unique, interactive experience. Unlike many other museums, our air-conditioned hangars have no ropes, allowing you to get up close with our exhibits. Beyond aircraft, our exhibits and activities provide visitors of all ages with a fresh perspective on the history of U.S. military operations over the past century.
The Palm Springs Air Museum is fully ADA compliant, ensuring accessibility for all. All hangars are easily navigable by wheelchair, walker, and scooter. Additionally, they offer a limited number of wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis, free of charge, for the convenience of our visitors.
