Some of the 20th century’s earliest aircraft and aviation memorabilia can be found in the Polish Aviation Museum. Photographs and old uniforms of the pilots are among some of the artefacts that tell the story of those who served in Poland’s air force over the past century. There are interactive displays where children and adults can pretend to fly aeroplanes. Visit the library with an abundance of resources and a cinema that has regular screenings.
The museum is situated on the Rakowice Czyzyny airfield, which opened in 1912. This was one of the first airfields in Europe. In 1964 a space was dedicated to the museum. Today there are several large aircraft hangars and an exhibition hall that houses more than 200 aircraft, flight memorabilia, various engines and information about the development of the aeroplane.
Begin your tour of the museum in the main exhibition hall. See 21 aircraft including the French 1909 Bleriot 11 and the Polish PZL P11, the only surviving example of its kind. Learn the skills of flying an aeroplane in a flight simulator and then take a seat in the screening room and see a documentary about life as a pilot.
Discover aircraft in the adjacent hangars. In the Great War Aircraft exhibit are prewar planes. They were once part of a private collection belonging to Hermann Goering, a German politician and Nazi Party leader. In the Main Exhibition Hangar are World War II fighter planes, gliders and sailplanes. The third hangar houses the Stories of History exhibit. There are more than 100 aeroplane engines in this room that are a must see for anyone with an interest in mechanics.
The Polish Aviation Museum is situated approximately 3 kilometres (2 miles) northeast of the Old Town (Stare Miasto). The museum is accessible via several bus and tram lines and there is free parking. The museum is closed on Mondays. There is a small admission charge except on Tuesdays, when entry is free.
