DC-3's started flying for American Airlines in 1936
The Flagship Knoxville. Flew from 1940 to 1948.
One of the original planes used for flight with AA.
DC-3
Interior
Front of museum
Kitchen and Lavatory
DC-3
Jensen W.
Jan 21, 2025
We used this space for an event & Tricia was super easy to work with & was super diligent on answering our questions in a speedy manner! If you haven't been, I definitely recommend touring this amazing museum- there's even an old farm crop plane to walk in!
Read More
Sara G.
Apr 21, 2024
I am obsessed with the underrated CR Smith Museum in Dallas! There are so many cool things here. 1. Interactive curated exhibits2. Old aircraft and aircraft parts3. Significant aviation history4. A huge hangar and airplane to explore5. Passionate staff loving all things aviationMy favorite thing was the corporate history of American Airlines. Amazing.
Read More
Matt K.
Jan 20, 2024
The CR Smith Museum offers a thoroughly impressive and engaging experience for anyone interested in aviation. The museum is very well-done, brilliantly capturing the essence and evolution of American Airlines, along with the broader history of aviation.One of the charming aspects of the museum is its attention to detail. A notable example is the theater seating, which consists of old airplane first-class seats. This unique touch not only adds character to the museum but also enhances the immersive experience, making visitors feel like they're part of aviation history.The museum is also incredibly family-friendly, with a variety of exhibits specifically designed for children. The play zone and interactive activities are fantastic for keeping younger visitors entertained while they learn. It's an excellent way to introduce kids to the world of aviation in an engaging and fun manner.For aviation enthusiasts, the museum's highlight is undoubtedly the extensive history of American Airlines. The exhibits chronicle the airline's journey through the years, offering a fascinating glimpse into how the aviation industry has evolved over time. This educational aspect is both informative and captivating, appealing to visitors of all ages.Additionally, the museum offers hands-on activities that are a real treat. Visitors have the unique opportunity to sit in an actual MD-80 cockpit, providing a rare behind-the-scenes look at the pilot's world. The computerized flight simulator is another interactive highlight, offering a taste of what it's like to fly an aircraft. These hands-on experiences are not only enjoyable but also incredibly educational.In conclusion, the CR Smith Museum is a remarkable destination that combines education, history, and fun in a memorable way. Whether you're an aviation buff, a history enthusiast, or just looking for a family-friendly outing, this museum is a great choice. Its mix of interactive exhibits, historical insights, and engaging activities make it a standout attraction.
Read More
Von A.
Sep 25, 2023
I had such a good time at this museum. If you love air travel, American Airlines or just flight in general, this is a must see Museum! I received a warm greeting with a smile from the front clerk. There's a gift shop that offers an array of items for air enthusiasts. They also have a movie theater complete with seating appropriate for flight where you get the opportunity to see some history through the old footage. They also have some of the audio exchanges playing overhead from recent flights. There's traditional statues that showcase pilot's and stewardess' uniforms. The museum's interior and exterior are maintained well. You'll find a large parking area. The museum sits just off the interstate. Easy access.
Read More
Mike M.
Aug 29, 2022
This is an indoor aviation museum named in honor of the longtime CEO of American Airlines. The museum is all about the history of AA and costs $9 for an adult ticket to attend. I visited last week and spent a little over one hour there and found it well worth my time.The experience of visiting here starts with a 13 minute movie in a nice multi level auditorium about AA and is quite informative. From there the museum is on one level with the primary attraction being a DC-3 built during the 1940's that's indoor. What's unique about it is that museum goers can board the plane at the normal rear entrance door and walk inside the aircraft that has been refurbished to that period of time. Since DC-3's are tail draggers you can experience having to walk uphill when inside moving toward the front of the cabin. Definitely different than todays boarding experience! You can sit in the comfortably spacious seats and go as far as the cockpit which has a net keeping you from entering but still allows you to look in. In the rear is the lavatory that is similar to todays airplanes.Also the museum has an MD-80 simulator where you can sit in the pilot or co-pilot seat and have a narrator illustrate with lights all of the cockpit controls. There are many other interactive displays throughout the museum and finally this place is kid friendly. Free parking space is plentiful in the lot.
Read More
Lane P.
Jul 21, 2022
Went to an LGBTQ event at the CR Smith Museum last weekend. A sort of mixer and opportunity to meet local organizations. As a huge aviation enthusiast, I'm not sure how I've lived in DFW for 3 years and never been here. It's super cool.When you first walk in, they have a theater that shows a "Why We Fly" video which is a great way to kick off a visit. From there, you walk into an area that has dozens of models of airplanes that flew for American or the many companies that have combined over the years to constitute the American we know today.They have display cases everywhere with items from over the years from flight attendant uniforms to pilot hats and logbooks. All have placards explaining their importance to American's history and the industry as a whole.In addition, they have a cockpit section from an AA MD-80, an aircraft engine, and of course, the main event is the fully restored Douglas DC-3 Flagship Knoxville that you can go in and view.I'd say whether you're an avgeek like me or not, you'll likely enjoy a visit to the CR Smith museum.
Read More
Garry H.
Jan 16, 2022
What a neat place! Basically, it's a history of American Airlines. Started with a 20 minute film about AA. There is an airliner cockpit you can sit in and learn all the controls. There's a lot! Next, you can go inside the Flagship Knoxville to experience passenger flight in the old days. It was a DC 3 from the 1930's. There was a full size jet engine to check out. The flight control center was interactive. You had to make weather decisions on whether or not to fly. I got 4 out of 5 right. Sorry about that last flight guys! There were lots of uniforms and equipment on display. Finally, the flight simulators! Fun but hard! Unfortunately, I crashed just south of DFW airport. So close! Mikey finally hit pause and gave up. There's not much here for kids, but adults will definitely enjoy this place. Go check it out!
Read More
Jessica T.
Jul 2, 2023
This place was neat and very kid friendly place. My family and I loved looking around and seeing the history. We choose a great day to go since it wasn't packed. Only complaint I can have is not being about to go on the computer to be a pilot on the computer set up they had due to other customers being on it the whole time we were there. Not sure if we'll be back but wish that could of been something to experience.
Read More
Andrew W.
Feb 4, 2024
Fun. Great time. Super cool Dc-3 and historical information. Movie was nice to see. And the seats in the theater were cool.
Read More
Ran S.
Jan 7, 2022
Such a fun experience today! As I start my new adventure next week to become a pilot, I decided to swing by the museum to check it out since I finally had some time to do so. When I asked the gift shop if the simulators were open, they informed me that they weren't, but the lady working there this morning graciously opened them up for me and my friend to try them out! This made my day and made for such a great experience! The interactive areas in the museum are fun no matter what age you are. I will definitely be back!!! Thank you!
Read More