Background

390th Memorial Museum: A Tribute to WWII Aviation

Honoring the WWII aviators of the 390th Bombardment Group with a fully restored B-17 and immersive historical exhibits in Tucson, Arizona.

4.9

The 390th Memorial Museum in Tucson, Arizona, preserves the legacy of the 390th Bombardment Group, who flew B-17 Flying Fortresses during World War II. Exhibits include a restored B-17, historical artifacts, and personal stories, offering a poignant glimpse into the air war over Europe.

A brief summary to 390th Memorial Museum

Local tips

  • Allow at least 30 minutes to fully experience the museum, but plan for longer if you want to delve into the exhibits and video presentation.
  • The museum is located on the grounds of the Pima Air & Space Museum, so consider combining your visit with the larger museum.
  • Check the museum's website for summer and holiday hours, as they may differ from the regular schedule.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    The 390th Memorial Museum is located at 6000 E Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85756, on the grounds of the Pima Air & Space Museum. From downtown Tucson, take I-10 East to exit 269 for Valencia Road. Head east on Valencia Road for approximately 6 miles. The museum will be on your right, within the Pima Air & Space Museum complex. Parking is free. Expect heavy traffic during peak tourist seasons.

  • Public Transport

    Tucson's public transportation is free. Check the Sun Tran website for the most up-to-date route information to the Pima Air & Space Museum. From the Ronstadt Transit Center in downtown Tucson, several bus routes may offer connections to the museum. From the bus stop, follow the signs to the 390th Memorial Museum within the Pima Air & Space Museum grounds.

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    Taxi and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Tucson. A ride from downtown Tucson to the 390th Memorial Museum will typically cost between $25 and $40, depending on the time of day and demand. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or through the app before you begin your trip.

Unlock the Best of 390th Memorial Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about 390th Memorial Museum

The 390th Memorial Museum stands as a tribute to the brave men of the 390th Bombardment Group (Heavy) of the Eighth Air Force, who flew B-17 Flying Fortresses during World War II. Located on the grounds of the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona, the museum offers a deeply moving and educational experience. The museum's centerpiece is a fully restored B-17 bomber, one of the few combat-ready B-17s on display in the United States. Visitors can walk around and peer inside this iconic aircraft, gaining a sense of the cramped and dangerous conditions faced by the aircrews. Other exhibits include flight jackets adorned with artwork, uniforms, replicas of the flight tower and Nissen hut, and dioramas of flight missions and airfields. The museum also showcases a unique nose art exhibit, crew stories, and statistics from the 390th's 301 missions. A video presentation features interviews with surviving members and actual film clips from the war, adding a personal and impactful dimension to the experience. The museum's collection includes thousands of documents, photographs, and objects within its library and archives. The 390th Bombardment Group flew its last combat mission on April 20, 1945. In over 300 missions, the group flew 8,725 sorties and dropped 19,000 tons of bombs, but lost 181 aircraft and 714 crewmembers. The 390th Memorial Museum reopened on September 28, 2013, after a significant expansion.

Popular Experiences near 390th Memorial Museum

Popular Hotels near 390th Memorial Museum

Select Currency