Jacksonville airport opens aviation history museum

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) has opened the first phase of its new exhibit, “Jacksonville Takes Flight: North Florida Aviation History from 1878 to 1941.”

Featuring the area’s aviation milestones and memorabilia from an era when Florida was sparsely populated and Jacksonville was the state’s “big city,” the new space also allows travelers to view aircraft movement on the ramp.

Phase I of the exhibit begins on Jan. 28, 1878, when a hot air balloon containing one man was sighted floating a “mile high” over the city at 5 p.m., and ends on the eve of World War II, when the military created bases bigger than most Florida cities.

Phase II of the gallery exhibit will begin at the end of World War II, and conclude with the most recent accomplishments. This phase should be completed in 2018, when JAX celebrates its 50th anniversary at its current location.

In addition to a wall mural featuring highlights and photos of significant events in Jacksonville’s aviation history, seven cases display a variety of aviation artifacts. Travelers can also access interactive display monitors that reveal more interesting information about our area’s long term relationship with aviation.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy the pre-security museum located next to the center courtyard food court. It is open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight.