National Museum of the USAF - Presidential Gallery

Exhibits > Presidential Gallery

Presidential Gallery

Note: The requirements for visiting this gallery are listed below.

A Boeing VC-137C known as SAM (Special Air Mission) 26000, the aircraft that served as Air Force One on the day of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, stands as the centerpiece of the Presidential Gallery. In addition to Air Force One, the public can enter the presidential aircraft of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. Five smaller presidential planes and four other aircraft are also on display.

Presidential/R&D Requirements

The Presidential and Research & Development Galleries, located on the controlled-access portion of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, are accessible using the shuttle bus service from the main museum complex. This service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up early as buses fill up quickly!

Shuttle buses are not handicapped accessible. Individuals requiring special assistance should contact the museum's Operations Division in advance at (937) 255-3286 to arrange transportation.

Military and Department of Defense civilians with government ID may use their private vehicle to visit the Presidential and R&D Galleries.

Note: A current government-issued photo ID (i.e. state ID or driver's license) is required for citizens of the U.S. and U.S. territories over age 18. All foreign visitors must present an original passport (a NEXUS card is an acceptable form of ID for Canadian citizens) or a foreign enhanced driver's license. Those under age 18 must be escorted by an adult (one adult per two children); children are not required to produce identification when accompanying their parents.

Hours of Operation

The shuttle buses to the Presidential and R&D Galleries will operate on the following schedule from Jan. 2-Feb. 28, 2013: Registered participants meet at 1:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Monday-Friday and at 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Saturday-Sunday for a briefing and shuttle bus ride to the galleries. Please allow an hour and 30 minutes to participate.

The shuttle buses to the Presidential and R&D Galleries will operate on the following schedule from March 1-May 31, 2013: Registered participants meet at 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. seven days a week for a briefing and shuttle bus ride to the galleries. Please allow an hour and 30 minutes to participate.

(Note: Bus schedule is subject to change based on staff availability.)

For those with base access, the galleries will be open from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily (use Gate 19B).