Air Museum of Cuatro Vientos

The Air Museum of Cuatro Vientos, located in the historic Cuatro Vientos air base in Madrid, is one of the most important institutions dedicated to the history of aviation in Europe. Officially inaugurated on May 24, 1981, the museum was created with the aim of preserving and disseminating the history of Spanish aviation, offering visitors a complete overview of the technological and historical evolution of flight. The Cuatro Vientos air base, founded in 1911, is the oldest operational air base in Spain and has played a crucial role in pilot training and military operations. The choice to host the museum in this historic location is not random: Cuatro Vientos has witnessed important events in the history of Spanish aviation, including the first military and civilian flights. The museum covers an area of approximately 66,938 square meters and includes seven hangars, as well as several outdoor exhibition platforms. These spaces house a vast collection of over 150 aircraft, ranging from historic planes to modern combat jets. Among the most notable pieces in the collection are the Breguet XIX “Jesús del Gran Poder,” famous for crossing the Atlantic in 1929, and the German bomber Heinkel He 111, used during World War II. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Air Museum of Cuatro Vientos is the variety of its collections, which are not limited to just aircraft. The museum also displays a rich selection of engines, uniforms, armaments, models, flags, and other historical artifacts that tell the story of Spanish aviation from its inception to the present day. Each hangar has a specific theme, allowing visitors to explore different periods and aspects of aviation. For example, Hangar 1 is dedicated to the early days of aviation and great flights, while Hangar 4 houses helicopters and rotary-wing aircraft. The history of the museum is marked by numerous phases of expansion and restructuring. After its inauguration, the museum’s collections quickly expanded, doubling the number of aircraft on display. This increase in collections led to the need to expand exhibition spaces. In the 1990s, new hangars were added, improving the museum’s ability to accommodate a wide range of aircraft and other artifacts. The museum is also a center for conservation and research. Over the years, it has expanded its collections through donations, acquisitions, and restorations, becoming a reference point for aviation history enthusiasts. The presence of specialized restoration and conservation staff ensures that historical artifacts are kept in the best possible condition for future generations.