National Museum Of The Mighty Eighth Air Force

The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is one of the Savannah area’s best museums. It is located in Pooler, near the airport, around 11 miles from downtown Savannah.

This large museum of military and aviation history focuses on the history of the Eighth Air Force, which was the largest deployed air force in the United States army.

Most famous for its significant contribution to the World War II effort, the “Mighty Eighth” Air Force was created in 1944 from the existing VIII Bomber, Fighter and Air Support Commands. During the remainder of World War II, the Eighth Air Force contributed important bombing and air combat services in Europe, targeting enemy forces in northern Europe from air bases in the United Kingdom.

Exhibits at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force include several historic aircraft, recreations of the experiences of airmen during World War II, the historical context to World War II, and the history of the Eighth Air Force through to the present day.

What To See & Do At The National Museum Of The Mighty Eighth Air Force

Exhibits & films Several exhibits – on Post World War I Germany, the Battle of Britain, and the Pearl Harbor attack – are focused on the events preceding the US’s entry into WWII. Other exhibits provide further context about World War II, the Eighth Air Force and the men who served in it, along with information about the African-American Tuskegee Airmen; the “Fly Girls” (women pilots for the US Airforce); and the role of the Eighth Air Force through to the present day.

Other exhibits, some interactive, recreate aspects of the experience of being in the Air Force, including the British Molesworth Airfield, at which members of the force were based; flying bombing missions; and landings in enemy territory.

Aircraft Several historic military aircraft are displayed at the museum. Near the parking lot are an F-4C Phantom and a Russian-built Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17A; in the memorial gardens in the rear of the museum is a B-47 Stratojet. Inside are B-17 Flying Fortress, the “City of Savannah,” and a Boeing-Stearman PT Kaydet, along with models of other military planes and vehicles.

Aviation art The museum displays a collection of several dozen aviation-related paintings by international artists.

Memorial garden A garden, memorials and reflective pool to the rear of the museum commemorate the servicepeople of the Eighth Air Force. The Chapel of the Fallen Eagles, to the north of the garden, provides another space for reflection. Stained glass windows depicting military scenes are an interesting feature of the chapel.

National Museum Of The Mighty Eighth Air Force Visitor Information

The following is correct at the time of writing. Please verify details before planning your trip. For additional information call 912-748-8888 or visit the official website.

Opening hours Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, 12pm-5pm.

Admission Adults $12, retired military/seniors (60+) $11, children (6-12)/active duty military and spouses $8, young children (0-5)/WWII veterans free.

Refreshments Traditional English pub with restaurant, Miss Sophie’s Marketplace, open Monday-Friday, 11am-2pm.

Address 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA 31322

The museum is located in Pooler, roughly 11 miles west of downtown Savannah. See on map

More Savannah Museums

– American Prohibition Museum
– Georgia State Railroad Museum
– King-Tisdell Cottage
– Massie Heritage Center
– Pin Point Heritage Museum
– Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum
– Savannah History Museum
– Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
– Webb Military Museum