Museum of Aeronautics and Astronautics

The Museum of Aeronautics and Astronautics, located at the Cuatro Vientos Air Base in Madrid, is one of the main aeronautical museums in Europe. Also known as the Air Museum, it was inaugurated in 1981, although its origins date back to 1966 when it was created by decree with the aim of preserving and displaying the historical heritage of Spanish aviation. The history of the museum officially begins in 1966 with its establishment at the Ministry of Air, now the Headquarters of the Air Force. However, in 1975, it was decided to transfer the museum to its current location at Cuatro Vientos, the oldest operational air base in Spain, founded in 1911. The choice of Cuatro Vientos was not random: the base has a long history of pilot training and military operations, making it the ideal place to host a museum dedicated to aeronautics. The museum covers an area of approximately 66,938 square meters and includes seven hangars and several outdoor exhibition areas. These spaces house a vast collection of over 150 aircraft, including some of the most iconic planes in the history of Spanish and international aviation. Among the most notable pieces are the Breguet XIX “Jesús del Gran Poder,” which crossed the Atlantic in 1929, and the Heinkel He 111, a German bomber from World War II used by the Spanish Air Force. One of the most fascinating aspects of the museum is the variety of its collections, which are not limited to just aircraft. The museum also displays a rich selection of engines, uniforms, weapons, 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. An interesting aspect of the museum is its policy of accessibility and inclusivity. Entry is free, although voluntary donations can be made for the maintenance of the facilities. This approach democratizes access to culture and history, making the museum a place of learning and leisure for people of all ages and backgrounds.