The Aviation Magazine No:46 September-October 2016 | Page 20
Since its opening on December 19, 1979, March Field Air Museum has been one of the most popular avia‐
tion museums in Southern California. Located across from March Air Reserve Base, Riverside, the museum
has had many of their acquired aircraft land at the base to be put on display for the public. In 1980, the
first aircraft were put on display and the museum foundation was created. Today, there are over 50 differ‐
ent aircraft for people to view up close.
The museum’s collection features a wide variety of different aircraft including fighters from the Cold War
era to Modern day, large bombers and freighters, and rare foreign aircraft like the Russian MiG jets. A cou‐
ple of the aircraft even have a significant history of their own including a Lockheed SR‐71 Blackbird which
was featured in the 2000 film “Space Cowboys,” one of the first prototype F‐14 Tomcats, and a former
March ARB operated C‐141 Starlifter.
The Indoor Museum features multiple classic aircraft including the SR‐71, America’s first operational mili‐
tary jet the P‐59 Airacomet, and multiple vintage biplane trainers. There are also some cockpit simulators
for the public to sit in including ones for the F‐4 Phantom II and B‐47 Stratojet. Other indoor exhibits in‐
clude the P‐38 Lightning Memorial Hangar which pays tribute to the historical WWII fighter and an exhibit
hall featuring a wide variety of U.S. Military uniforms that the active duty wore throughout the years.
March Field Air Museum will continue to be an incredible experience for the public as it grows bigger
throughout the years with future planes to come on display. From the Indoor Museum to the Outdoor Air‐
craft Collection, the museum will keep expanding bringing something new for the public to see.
Admission: $12 12+ years, $5 5‐11 years, Free for Active Duty & children under 4
Hours: Tues‐Sun: 9:00 am ‐ 4:00 pm For further information visit http://www.marchfield.org/