TWA Museum
Step back into the golden age of air travel at the TWA Museum, celebrating aviation history, or experience retro glamour at the TWA Hotel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
TWA Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back into the golden age of air travel at the TWA Museum, celebrating aviation history, or experience retro glamour at the TWA Hotel.
"A blast from the past with incredible value and immersive historical experiences!"
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Don't miss the guided tours! Retired TWA staffers share incredible stories and passion.
✈️ Flight Simulator Fun
Try the flight simulator for a thrilling experience, even if you're not a pilot!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic TWA Hangar
TWA Museum, Kansas City
Explore a real TWA hangar filled with aircraft, artifacts, and merchandise from the golden age of air travel.
Vintage Uniforms & China
TWA Museum, Kansas City
See authentic TWA stewardess uniforms and the elegant china used on flights, offering a glimpse into past luxury.
Flight Simulator Experience
TWA Museum, Kansas City
Test your piloting skills on a flight simulator and gain a new appreciation for what it takes to fly.
TWA Hotel Retro Vibes
JFK Airport, New York City
Step back into the 1960s at this unique hotel, featuring mid-century modern design and aviation-themed bars.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
KC's Aviation Gem
Beyond the Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Don't miss the guided tours! Retired TWA staffers share incredible stories and passion. +1
✈️ Flight Simulator Fun
Try the flight simulator for a thrilling experience, even if you're not a pilot!
💰 Great Value Admission
The admission fee is very reasonable, making it an affordable and enriching visit.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The TWA Hotel offers fantastic retro backdrops for photos, especially if you love vintage aesthetics.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
Don't miss the guided tours! Retired TWA staffers share incredible stories and passion. +1
✈️ Flight Simulator Fun
Try the flight simulator for a thrilling experience, even if you're not a pilot!
💰 Great Value Admission
The admission fee is very reasonable, making it an affordable and enriching visit.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The TWA Hotel offers fantastic retro backdrops for photos, especially if you love vintage aesthetics.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
Embrace the 1960s vibe at the TWA Hotel for a truly immersive retro experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the TWA Museum's incredible value and immersive historical experience, especially praising the knowledgeable guided tours led by former employees. The TWA Hotel is celebrated for its unique retro ambiance and stunning design, offering a nostalgic trip back to the jet age. Some find the hotel's dining options a bit pricey, but the overall experience is consistently described as memorable and visually captivating.
"Just left the TWA Museum and wow, what a blast from the past! Seriously, for only $12, it's a steal. They've got everything from miniature TWA planes showing off their classic designs to real uniforms and even the fancy china they used on flights back in the day. Plus, you can geek out over the cockpit mock-ups and vintage instrument displays. Trust me, if you're into aviation or just looking for something cool to do, you've gotta check this place out. Had an awesome time!"
Marc Funk
"Amazing experience for any commercial aviation lover!Two retired TWA staffers in their late 80s gave me an amazing guided tour of the place. Their passion for the airline and their work was very evident. Strongly recommended if you are ever visiting Kansas City."
Jameel Hye
"I recently had my son's 10th birthday at the TWA Museum. It was amazing. The kiddos got to practice on the flight simulator. They had dinner on board a real plane and got to tour the museum with the amazing tour guides. I can't say enough good things about the coordinator John Mays. Our flight attendants Ms. Judy and Mr. Larry were welcoming, informative, and entertaining. We will definitely be having parties here in the future!!! Thank you so much for making Bentley's 10th birthday special!!!!!"
Barbara Toliver
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The TWA Museum is located at the former TWA headquarters in Kansas City. It's accessible by car, and parking is generally available. Public transportation options might be limited, so checking local transit routes is recommended.
Yes, the TWA Hotel at JFK is accessible. It's located directly at the airport, making it convenient for travelers with layovers. You can reach it via AirTrain or shuttle services from other terminals.
With a layover of 5 hours or more, it might be possible to visit the TWA Flight Center at JFK, but factor in time for deplaning, security, and re-boarding. It's best to check current airport regulations and travel times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the TWA Museum is very affordable, often around $12, making it a great value for the experience.
While advance booking might not be strictly necessary, it's always a good idea to check the TWA Museum's official website for any specific ticketing requirements or to ensure availability, especially for guided tours.
Yes, the TWA Museum is a popular venue for events, including children's birthday parties, which can include flight simulator sessions and tours.
You don't necessarily need to book an overnight stay to experience the TWA Hotel. You can visit its bars and restaurants, and some areas might be accessible without being a guest, though specific access can vary.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
The TWA Museum features miniature TWA planes, real uniforms, vintage china, cockpit mock-ups, instrument displays, and a real plane for tours.
Absolutely! Guided tours are highly recommended, often led by passionate retired TWA staffers who offer in-depth insights and stories. +1
The TWA Hotel is famous for its 1960s retro aesthetic, airplane-themed cocktail bar (the 'Whiskey Washout'), rooftop pool overlooking the runways, and its unique architecture.
Yes, the TWA Hotel is a photographer's dream with its vintage decor, iconic airplane features, and mid-century modern design, perfect for capturing retro vibes.
The TWA Hotel offers a strong sense of nostalgia and a 'jet age' glamour, transporting visitors back to the 1960s with its meticulously preserved style.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The TWA Museum itself doesn't typically have extensive dining facilities, but it's located in Kansas City, which offers numerous food options nearby. Some events might include catering.
The TWA Hotel offers various dining experiences, including the Paris Cafe, a Sunken Lounge, and the unique 'Whiskey Washout' airplane cocktail bar, serving classic cocktails and food.
Yes, the TWA Hotel is known for serving excellent espresso martinis and other coffee-based drinks at its various bars and cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
The TWA Museum offers great photo opportunities with its vintage aircraft displays, historical artifacts, and the unique setting of the original TWA hangar.
The TWA Hotel's mid-century modern architecture, retro furnishings, vintage signage, and the iconic Lockheed Constellation 'Connie' airplane parked outside provide endless photo possibilities.
Yes, photography is encouraged at the TWA Hotel, especially to capture its unique retro ambiance. Many visitors share their photos on social media.
Generally, photography is allowed at the TWA Museum for personal use. However, it's always best to check with museum staff if you plan on professional shoots or extensive commercial photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families traveling through JFK, the TWA Hotel offers a unique experience that can break up a long layover or serve as a fun destination. Its retro vibes and airplane-themed features are captivating for children, and the rooftop pool provides entertainment.
It’s a great way to introduce younger generations to the glamour of aviation history in a fun and accessible way.✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
The TWA Hotel offers a different, but equally compelling, experience for aviation lovers. Its architecture and design are a tribute to the golden age of air travel. The 'Whiskey Washout' bar inside a real Constellation plane and the runway views from the rooftop pool are unparalleled.
It’s a place to soak in the atmosphere and appreciate the evolution of flight.📸 Photography Buffs
The TWA Hotel, however, is a photographer's paradise for its iconic retro aesthetic. Capture the mid-century modern design, the vibrant colors, the vintage signage, and the unique airplane bar. From fashion shoots inspired by the 60s
Remember to explore both locations to get a comprehensive portfolio of aviation-inspired photography.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The TWA Museum: A Journey Through Aviation History
+1Beyond the static displays, the museum offers interactive experiences that truly bring aviation history to life. The flight simulator is a major draw, allowing visitors to get behind the controls and experience the challenges of piloting. Guided tours, often led by former TWA employees, are a highlight, providing personal anecdotes and deep insights into the airline's rich history and the lives of its staff.
For those looking for a unique event venue, the TWA Museum is also a popular choice for parties, offering a distinctive backdrop and activities like simulator sessions and tours that make celebrations unforgettable.
The TWA Hotel: A Retro Oasis at JFK
Key attractions at the TWA Hotel include the 'Whiskey Washout' cocktail bar, housed inside a restored Lockheed Constellation 'Connie' airplane, offering a truly unique drinking experience.
The rooftop infinity pool provides stunning views of the JFK runways, allowing guests to watch planes take off and land while enjoying a swim year-round. The hotel also boasts the world's largest hotel gym and hosts various exhibits, including TWA museum pieces, making it a destination in itself for av-geeks and retro enthusiasts. This hotel is a popular spot for photoshoots and weekend getaways, attracting visitors who appreciate its distinct vintage aesthetic and the immersive experience it offers.
+1 It's a perfect example of adaptive reuse, transforming a historic architectural landmark into a vibrant, modern hospitality experience that celebrates aviation heritage.
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