USAF Armament Museum Eglin AFB

United States Air Force Armament Museum (near Eglin AFB)
Origins and Early Years

Inception: The museum first opened to the public on 22 June 1974, housed in a converted 1940s-era chapel. Shortly thereafter, the Air Force Armament Museum Foundation (AFAMF) was formed to support its expansion
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Closure and rebirth: In 1981, the original building was condemned, forcing the museum to close. After fundraising efforts, a new 20,000-sq ft facility opened on 15 November 1985—funded entirely by private donations
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Expansion and Exhibits

Aircraft and artifacts: Since reopening, the museum has welcomed iconic aircraft such as the SR-71 (1990), B-52 (1991), and MiG-21 (1992). An exhibit on Air Force Special Operations was added in 1996
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Ongoing enhancements: In recent years, the museum added:

Vinyl-wrapped restorations of a P-51 and F-86 (2019–2020)

An African American Military Heritage Hall (opened February 2022)

Repainting of the B-52 in April 2022

A new base visitor control center on museum grounds in May 2024
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Collections: The museum dedicates itself to preserving Air Force armament history, featuring over 29 aircraft (from WWII-specialty like the P-51 and B-25 to modern jets like the F-15 and A-10) and hundreds of armament artifacts including bombs, missiles, and the MOAB (“Mother of All Bombs”)
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Visitor experience: Admission is free, and