AMA - National Model Aviation Museum

I'm not a big RC person, though I used control lines as a kid and built a few balsa models, before running into the cost of radios and eventually deciding to get my pilot's license. But it's a fun hobby, and there are some very impressive models out there- and some crossover to homebuilding planes and to military drones, etc., so it's pretty interesting.The museum is outstanding. Covers things from the Wrights and others building models to test theories, etc., through the golden age of, say, the '30s through '50s, up to the current new golden age with jets and helos and a range of planes from hard-to-crash-and-break entry models to ones that cost as much as a new car. Loads of examples, all well cared for and displayed. A surprise around every corner. Not huge, but big enough to spend a couple of hours. There's a workshop you can see through big windows, and a library you can use. Plenty of models and trinkets and clothes in the gift shop. Well worth a visit if you are at all into aviation.

They took advantage of my grandfather. He donated plans while his mental state was declining and now they sell them for profit. This was a family legacy and they just smiled as he gave it to them. My repeated attempts to tell them how they are POS for doing this and they act like its normal to take something from an old man with living children and grandchildren that say he doesn't know what he did and we want it back.BOYCOTT THIS PLACE. EVIL GROUP. I wonder how many other old people they take advantage of. Take away any nonprofit rights or protections they have.

I have been to the museum twice since my son moved to Muncie to attend Ball State. there is a lot of good stuff packed into a small space. it is very well laid out and everything is displayed very well. I love the history of Model Aviation, From free flight to control line to RC.I donate to the Museum when I can and I would highly recommend that members do the same.

Most impressive museum dedicated to preserving model airplanes in order to inspire a love and passion for aviation. The museum has 100s of model airplanes hanging from the ceiling and in displays from the 20s and 30s up to the present. They have a preservation area where they are rebuilding old models. There is an archive where you can do your own research. There are interactive models like the Wright Brothers Airplane, where you can see and feel and smell how primitive that first flying machine was and how far we have come. There is a very informative video about model airplane building and flying. I had donated a number of my father's 1930s and 1940s memorabilia and model airplanes to the museum a few years ago and as I planned a cross country trip I knew I had to stop in Muncie and see this museum. Glad I did. This is a national treasure and serves as an inspiration to others who have that passion to fly higher.

An outstanding, must-see museum for anyone interested in aviation. Friendly staff and a great gift shop too.

This place is TOO cool ! Just an awesome addition to the odd Indiana landscape of giant balls of twine and three headed chickens.........not really...a serious and fun museum for all ages. I have taken dates here...and they loved it ! An impressive display of "model" airplanes throughout the period of flight. Very comprehensive without being overwhelming. Enough hands on stuff to satisfy any 48 year old kid.Go on a Saturday (not sure if open on Sunday) as there will likely be many model airplaners flying their planes at the adjacent air field...also check their schedule for regional and national events....these things are very impressive...well worth going to even if you are not an enthusiast.GO CHECK THIS COOL PLACE OUT !

Hidden jewel. We were the only ones there. The volunteer was able to talk about the exhibits knowledgeably when we asked but did not intrude when we just wanted to look. Models range from the beginning Chinese children's toys through the NASA models for building the Space Shuttle transport system. There were multiple hands on exhibits demonstrating the way air makes a plane or helicopter lift and what the controls do. There were two model aircraft flight simulators (you watched the model - not you looking through the windshield as a pilot). This could have been a problem if there was a crowd. They had three short movie clips of recent government use of models to solve flight design problems. We drove down to the flight fields and were able to see tethered and radio-controlled flight events in process.