Aeronautical Museum ACE - An airplane museum with people looking at planes
1 / 10

Aeronautical Museum ACE

4.6
·204 reviews·San Bartolomé, Spain

Discover the island's aviation past in a historic terminal building, featuring unique art and free entry.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat, no AC!

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Aeronautical Museum ACE - An airplane museum with people looking at planes

Aeronautical Museum ACE

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat, no AC!

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the island's aviation past in a historic terminal building, featuring unique art and free entry.

4.6
(204 reviews)

"A fantastic little museum, well worth an hour of your time with friendly staff and unique exhibits."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring a translation app! 📱

Exhibits are mainly in Spanish. Google Translate or similar apps are very helpful for understanding details.

Visit in the morning ☀️

The museum has no air conditioning, so an early visit is best during hot months.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Terminal Building

Historic Terminal Building

Former Airport Terminal

Explore the charming art deco architecture of the original airport terminal, a piece of history itself.

Aviation Dioramas

Aviation Dioramas

Interior Exhibits

Journey through the island's aviation history with detailed dioramas from pre-WW2 to modern times.

Outdoor Aircraft & Vehicles

Outdoor Aircraft & Vehicles

Exterior Display

See a Piper Cherokee 6, Constellation engine parts, and vintage ground support vehicles.

Plastic Bottle Aircraft Art

Plastic Bottle Aircraft Art

Interior Exhibits

Marvel at incredibly well-made aircraft models crafted entirely from recycled plastic bottles.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Free Entry & Self-Guided

Enjoy this free museum housed in the historic old terminal building. It's a self-guided experience, so explore at your own pace and soak in the aviation history.

Language & Comfort

While admission is free, exhibits are primarily in Spanish. Consider a translation app. The museum lacks air conditioning, so morning visits are recommended during warmer months.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Beat the heat, no AC!
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The National Air & Space Museum at the Udvar-Hazy Center is unique and special for many reasons but my personal favorite is the observation tower overlooking IAD #washingtondulles #washingtondullesairport #udvarhazy #udvarhazycenter #airandspacemuseum #nationalairandspacemuseum #smithsonianmuseum #freemuseum #thingstodoindc #avgeek #planespotting #womeninaviation #aerospace
@yourpalcharlotte
29.2K likes • 290.8K views

Bring a translation app! 📱

Exhibits are mainly in Spanish. Google Translate or similar apps are very helpful for understanding details. Reddit

Visit in the morning ☀️

The museum has no air conditioning, so an early visit is best during hot months. Reddit

The Aerospace Museum of California is truly #WhereDreamsTakeFlight! ✈️ Get your tickets today and be inspired by the wonders and history of aviation and aerospace with engaging exhibits, STEM stations, incredible aircraft, and more! #aerospacemuseumofcalifornia #aerospace #aviation #museum #sacramento #FamilyFun #STEM #STEAM #STEMeducation
@aerospaceca
29.1K likes • 279.7K views
'Miss Mao Trying to Poise Herself at the Top of Lenin's Head' and is by the Chinese artist brothers Gao Zehn and Gao Qiang. Lenin Head sculpture by the Ace museum #losangeles #tbt
fadikatasoy
621 likes • 0 views

Free entry & parking! 🚗

Enjoy this historical gem without any admission fee, and parking is also free. Reddit

Kid-friendly art 🎨

Kids often love the unique aircraft made from plastic bottles and the historical displays. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring a translation app! 📱

Exhibits are mainly in Spanish. Google Translate or similar apps are very helpful for understanding details. Reddit

Visit in the morning ☀️

The museum has no air conditioning, so an early visit is best during hot months. Reddit

Free entry & parking! 🚗

Enjoy this historical gem without any admission fee, and parking is also free. Reddit

Kid-friendly art 🎨

Kids often love the unique aircraft made from plastic bottles and the historical displays. Reddit

Easy to find location 📍

Located straight off the LZ2 road, follow signs for T1. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(204 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Aeronautical Museum ACE for its free admission, friendly staff, and unique exhibits like plastic bottle aircraft art and historical dioramas housed in a charming old terminal building. Some note the lack of air conditioning and that exhibits are primarily in Spanish, recommending translation apps and morning visits.

"Fantastic little museum, well worth an hour of your time. The receptionist was very friendly and the tone of the museum is very casual but informative. If you aren’t a confident Spanish linguist then I’d suggest making sure you are able and have access to a translation service e.g. google translate.

The museum is based within the old terminal building from the airports origins and provides an insight into how we got to the current set up.

The exhibits including things from the airports history including a fire truck, an old aircraft and old service vehicle. Inside there is more relics from the past, documents and other little mementos from the aviation story of the island.

There is no charge to visit and it’s completely self guided. It’s worth noting that there is no air conditioning so during hot months it may be ideal to come in the morning as we did."

Baloons & Balls

"Arrived too early for returning hire car so popped into the museum for a short visit. It’s a small museum housed in the former terminal building, lovely art deco features.
Free entry and lots of interesinteresting exhibits, only downside was that there aren’t any multilingual signs. I didn’t have much time but it would have been good to have read and understood more.
Really worth visiting though and it’s easy to find too!"

Roy Stevely

"Nice place to visit if you are interested in aeronautics. Kids loved it.
Maria was very helpful.

Airplanes made from plastic bottles were amazing. Never seen so well-made art from plastic bottles."

Dana M

What People Like

Free admission and parking
Friendly and helpful staff
Unique plastic bottle art

What People Dislike

No air conditioning
Exhibits in Spanish only

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is conveniently located off the LZ2 road. Follow signs for T1. Free parking is available on-site, making it easy to access by car. Reddit

While specific bus routes aren't detailed in reviews, its location off a main road suggests potential accessibility. It's best to check local transport schedules for routes serving the airport area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Aeronautical Museum ACE is completely free! This makes it a fantastic budget-friendly option for exploring aviation history. Reddit

No advance booking is required. The museum is self-guided and entry is free, so you can typically visit anytime during operating hours. Reddit

Opening hours are not explicitly stated in the provided reviews, but it's recommended to visit in the morning, especially during warmer months due to the lack of air conditioning. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find exhibits on the island's aviation history, including dioramas, historical documents, a Piper Cherokee 6, engine parts, and vintage ground vehicles. Don't miss the unique aircraft art made from plastic bottles! Reddit

Yes, children often enjoy the museum, particularly the creative plastic bottle aircraft art and the historical displays. It's a fun and educational outing for families. Reddit

The majority of the exhibits are in Spanish. Visitors who are not fluent in Spanish may find it helpful to use a translation app like Google Translate to fully appreciate the information. Reddit

No, the museum does not have air conditioning. It's advisable to visit during the cooler morning hours, especially in the summer, to ensure a comfortable experience. Reddit

Most visitors find that an hour is sufficient for a visit, especially if you're not spending extensive time translating exhibits. It's a great option for a short, informative stop. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not appear to have food or dining facilities. Visitors may want to plan for meals before or after their visit, as there are no dining options mentioned in reviews. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted in museums unless otherwise stated. Visitors have shared photos, suggesting it's allowed. However, always be respectful of exhibits and other visitors. Reddit

The unique plastic bottle aircraft art, the historic art deco terminal building, and the outdoor aircraft and vehicle displays offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Aeronautical Museum ACE offers a fun and educational outing for families. Kids are often captivated by the unique aircraft art made from plastic bottles, which is both creative and visually engaging. Reddit The historical displays, including dioramas and outdoor aircraft, can spark curiosity about aviation and history. The free entry and parking make it an excellent budget-friendly option for a family excursion. Reddit

To ensure a comfortable visit for younger ones, especially during warmer weather, plan your visit for the morning as the museum does not have air conditioning. While exhibits are primarily in Spanish, the visual nature of the displays and the impressive aircraft models can still be highly engaging for children. Consider using a translation app to share interesting facts with them. Reddit

✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts & Plane Spotters

For those with a passion for aviation, the Aeronautical Museum ACE provides a concentrated dose of history and aircraft. You'll find a Piper Cherokee 6, engine components from a Constellation, and various ground support vehicles, offering a close look at historical aviation equipment. Reddit The dioramas detailing the island's aviation development are particularly insightful for understanding the evolution of air travel in the region. Reddit

While not a large-scale aviation museum, its unique setting in the old terminal building and the focus on local aeronautical history offer a distinct experience. The opportunity to see these artifacts up close, combined with the free entry, makes it a worthwhile stop for any avgeek exploring the area. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Aeronautical Museum ACE is a dream for budget-conscious travelers, offering completely free admission and free parking. Reddit This allows you to immerse yourself in local history and aviation without spending a penny. It's a perfect activity for when you want to explore and learn without impacting your travel budget. Reddit

While there are no dining facilities on-site, its convenient location means you can easily find affordable local eateries nearby before or after your visit. The self-guided nature also means you can spend as much or as little time as you like, maximizing your experience without any pressure. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Aviation History

The Aeronautical Museum ACE is uniquely situated within the former terminal building of the island's airport, offering a tangible connection to its past. This historic art deco structure itself is an exhibit, showcasing the architectural style of a bygone era. Inside, visitors are treated to a self-guided journey through the island's aviation narrative, presented through detailed dioramas that span from the pre-World War II period right up to the development of the current airport facilities. Reddit

Beyond the dioramas, the museum houses a collection of relics, documents, and mementos that paint a vivid picture of the island's connection to flight. The outdoor display features a somewhat weathered Piper Cherokee 6, an engine and propeller from a Constellation aircraft, and various vintage ground support vehicles. These tangible artifacts provide a hands-on feel to the history being presented, making it more engaging for visitors of all ages. Reddit

One of the most talked-about aspects of the museum is the ingenious art created from recycled plastic bottles, depicting various aircraft. This creative display highlights both artistic talent and environmental consciousness, often leaving visitors impressed by the craftsmanship. TikTokReddit

Visitor Experience & Practicalities

The Aeronautical Museum ACE is praised for its friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere, with one reviewer specifically mentioning Maria's helpfulness. Reddit The free admission and parking are significant draws, making it an accessible and budget-friendly attraction. However, a key point for visitors to note is that the museum lacks air conditioning. This means that during the warmer months, it can get quite hot inside, making morning visits the most comfortable option. Reddit

Another important consideration is the language barrier. The majority of the exhibit information is presented in Spanish. While this doesn't detract from the visual appeal of the displays, visitors who aren't fluent in Spanish might miss out on some of the detailed historical context. Bringing a translation app on your smartphone is highly recommended to enhance the learning experience and fully appreciate the stories behind the artifacts. Reddit

Despite these minor challenges, the museum is generally considered a worthwhile stop, offering a unique insight into local history. Its self-guided nature allows for a flexible visit, and many find it to be an interesting and informative way to spend an hour. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2