If you enjoy museums this is a cool place to spend an hour or 2 on a Saturday afternoon. It's a self guided tour and there are some exhibits that are interactive. They have short movies announced over the intercom about every 30 minutes. We enjoyed sitting in our airline seats, seatbelts included, to watch the production.They have it set up by decade where you can see the evolution of the flight attendants and the pilots uniforms which was neat to see. There's a DC3 plane that you can walk inside. There's even an evacuation slide inside. I'm glad this is here! read more

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I am obsessed with the underrated CR Smith Museum in Dallas! There are so many cool things here. 1. Interactive curated exhibits 2. Old aircraft and aircraft parts 3. Significant aviation history 4. A huge hangar and airplane to explore 5. Passionate staff loving all things aviation My favorite thing was the corporate history of American Airlines. Amazing. read more

CR Smith Museum - Museums Near Me - Fort Worth, Texas

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

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

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Loved it. Not very big, but so much history, enjoyed very much and my 8 year old grandson did on his field trip as well with all the simulation's. read more

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

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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

CR Smith Museum - DC-3 - Museums Near Me - Fort Worth, Texas

A gem in our backyard... The facility was great. Parking was difficult to navigate. I had never had the opportunity to visit and I was pleasantly surprised by the set up. There was so much information to take in and Siri didn't know as much as I expected. Considering, it was a self guided tour. I didn't know what I was looking at, so I'm sure I missed out on some great information. read more

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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

CR Smith Museum - Tug - Museums Near Me - Fort Worth, Texas

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

I've been to this museum many times in the past. I've always loved it. Actually, I love just about everything to do with planes. After all, we used to live in the Dallas-Forth Worth area and I retired from American Airlines. This museum lays out the history of the airline. It's fun to visit and there are many things to see. When we drove back through this area, the CR Smith Museum was a must stop for me. We hadn't been back in 10 years and figured it was about time. I also had to replace a trinket from the museum gift shop. They really have a good gift shop there. read more

CR Smith Museum - Outside the CR Smith Museum - Museums Near Me - Fort Worth, Texas

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'Ello chaps! C R Smith Aviation Museum is American Airlines' aviation museum. It is near AA's world headquarters, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. This museum is sure to please any aviation nerd. It walks you through the history of American aviation history to today. There is a hands-on kids area to learn about the physics of aviation as well as a large display going in depth about the Miracle on the Hudson US Airways crash landing. It's a unique museum, and probably used for convention and gathering space as well. There is a FEE for ADMISSION, but FREE PARKING is available across the street. It's a good little museum, with a cool gift shop, however it's a little out of the ways to get to. Unfortunately, it's not something someone on a few hour layover at DFW could get to. You'll def have to trek over for this. read more

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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

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Brought our grandchildren and sadly, the children's interactive area remains closed; therefore, limited activities for kids. Total time in museum was 20 minutes before they were bored. (Ages 3 & 5). , read more

CR Smith Museum - Museums Near Me - Fort Worth, Texas

Visited with my dad who works for American out of the headquarters in Dallas and a great time! Loved seeing the company's history as well as doing the simulators! I also loved the simulation of what happens when there are emergency maintenance issues and severe weather- that was eye opening for someone who has been surrounded by airline culture for most of their life. Very cool place to check out if you are in the area and enjoy aviation! read more

We visited this museum while in Dallas for my birthday. I love learning and reading about aircraft, especially MD models and the DC-10, and American Airlines was the one I grew up flying. So I have a special spot in my heart for a lot of things in this museum--and it did not disappoint! I geeked out throughout many of the exhibits, the best of which was getting to tour the inside of an MD-3! All exhibits are self-guided, which we enjoyed because we were not in a hurry and were not interested in every exhibit. So we could do it in the order we wanted. The setup was also good for families and kids with a lot of interactive exhibits to let you see how planes operate and how they maintain them. As adults, we found their exhibits very interesting because they connected a lot of pieces for us and helped my SO see some of the things I talk about when I discuss planes. Loved our visit and will be showing everyone pictures of us in the MD-3! The staff was so friendly and very informative as well. I would go back in a heartbeat. Things to keep in mind when visiting: they open at 9:00 and there was barely anyone there when we arrived, but it got busier as the morning went on. So consider arriving early to have exhibits to yourself. The museum is not large; you could cover it in less than an hour if you rushed, but we spent almost two and a half hours there because we looked at everything. Tickets are not expensive and they have lots in the gift shop. Parking is across the street so you have to walk a bit to get inside, so prepare if you cannot walk well or it's bad weather. read more

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This museum was a bit of a surprise near DFW. I was expecting a basic museum with some displays on the history of American Airlines and a display of the Douglas DC-3, but I was surprised on how nice the facility was. The museum is located in the American Airlines corporate campus south of DFW and is a little out of the way. The facility is well done with a nice entrance and exhibit hall. You can start with a short film while sitting in old first class seats. It is a little cheesy, but worth a view. Afterwards, you can walk around the exhibit area and learn about the history of the airline interspersed with exhibits on aerodynamics, maintenance, and commercial aviation. The museum has very little military background, only when American helped the military effort. They have a shiny Douglas DC-3 in their exhibit which is well restored, although a bit musty inside. You can walk inside the aircraft and view the small 9/11 memorial in the bricks under the exhibit. Overall, the museum is a must for anyone interested in commercial aviation or any type of flight. Small children will likely get bored, but there are some interactive displays that may hold the imagination of older children. If you are stuck at DFW, you can probably get a quick ride here for a nice break and history lesson. read more

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If you love airplanes and enjoy learning the history of American Airlines this is the place to be. With admission of $9 you get to enjoy a flight simulator, see what uniforms they originally started with and the many depts that come together to make your flight an enjoyable one read more

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Went here on a whim with a friend last week. We lucked out and went on a day when they had this Lego Castle exhibit going on. Awesome stuff for the kids - dress-up, jousting, a slide, building with Legos, awesome professional structures/figures already built, etc. That was the coolest part of the visit. I took my toddler, and I think without the Castle exhibit, it's much more geared toward school-aged kids and older. As an adult, I really liked it and thought it was interesting, but it felt a little small. Maybe that was due, in part, to the large Castle exhibit. read more

Great aviation history as well as the history of the airline. Beautiful tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11th. read more

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I am a fan of aviation and felt that the C. R. Smith Museum was a fantastic look at the history of American Airlines and commercial aviation. What made it even more amazing was that the price point is amazing. Located at the headquarters and training center for American Airlines the C. R. Smith museum provides visitors with a great overview of how the company started. The displays and videos show the airlines connections to Charles Lindbergh and the US Air Mail service. It is a testament to how a person with a vision that can be shared with others can create an amazing company that affects our world in astounding ways. The museum has an excellent flight simulator in it that will allow you to try your hand at flying. Using Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 you can join a member of the museum staff and fly an American 737. We were hopping between the Hawaiian islands and having a great time. They have gone the extra mile to build a virtual cockpit around the screen that provides yokes, throttle levers, gear and flap controls and much more. My daughter and I were wondering where we could put one in our home. One of the centerpieces of the museum is the DC3 which you are allowed to enter and walk through. Like Meredith, we wish they could have done something about the smell, but it is bearable for the time that you are in it. To walk through this aircraft and to think of air travel in the early days is amazing. We did notice how much more leg room they had back in those day. The museum also has a special display set up right now (January, 2011) on the history of football, in anticipation of the Super Bowl coming to town. If you are in the Arlington and enjoy aviation, be sure to come visit the C. R. Smith (American Airlines) museum. read more

When I was a kid, I would always go here with my parents. I love Planes and still love them! Great place to learn about the history and much more! read more

I'm an aviation buff, but I've never stepped foot on an American Airlines flight. This was a great find nonetheless. Though I wasn't too "up" on American's history, I felt like I was after I left. The exhibits were very informative and kept you interested. The flight simulator was closed when I visited and I didn't see the film...but hard to complain with a $4 admission with college ID. Definitely a cool place to spend a few hours regardless of your interest level in aviation. read more

Really Dated. "Spirit of America" Film is torture. Michael Bolton's singing was even more hellish. Just when you think there couldn't be another verse... read more

CR Smith Museum - Museums Near Me - Fort Worth, Texas

Meh. It's cold outside so I have deemed it museum season which is increasingly difficult with an unruly one year old in tow and no known baby sitters since we are new to the area. Yet, I've heard good things about this little museum and children's exhibit so we checked it out yesterday and we were unfortunately disappointed. The children's exhibit was on recycling which is totally cool yet it was very small and half of the displays were broken. So we ventured to the regular parts of the museum thinking we could see a few models of airplanes but alas there was only one. So we toured the other exhibits and displays and it seems about 50% were broken. Unimpressed American Airlines. Your flights leaving DFW tend to be delayed with the promise of a gate mix up or seat issue every time I fly and your museum left much to be desired too. Maybe we will give it another shot next year but I doubt it. read more

I'm a bit of an airline historian. American Airlines has been around since the mid 1930's and was called American Airways at the time. It started as a company that made it's profits hauling mail while hoping to entice passengers into this thing called "air travel" and has now become the largest airline on the planet earth (post USAirways merger). A beautiful restore DC-3 is perched behind large windows inside the entrance. You can write a book on that airplane alone but it basically revolutionized air travel and there are original and re-engined versions of it still flying 75 years later. You've got to have a love for this type of history to enjoy a place like this and the museum commemorates American Airlines' history while walking you through a number of eras shared by other commercial air carriers. What I like about this museum is it's unique commercial aviation subject matter. Most other museums direct a large portion of their attention to warbirds and military application so it's refreshing to get a dose of civilian aviation history. The museum itself is fairly small but there are some fun interactive displays and an enjoyable iMax presentation. The price of admission is next to nothing and it's a fun way to spend a couple of hours learning some great stuff. read more

For a couple bucks, you can get access to a pretty neat museum. This museum is less of an airplane museum (there's really only 1 full airplane there) and more about the history of the company, which ended up ring pretty fascinating. You can tell there's a lot of pride in the company here. The early days and the growth of the company I found interesting. It is clean, air conditioned, and spacious. Within 2 hours you could pretty much see everything including their 15 minute movie that is part history of flight and part history of the company. Enjoy. read more

Surprisingly good! There was tons of interactive things for the kids, but even adults had fun with them. Lots to learn for all ages. read more

It's not a big museum, but there are a lot of really interesting static and hands-on exhibits. My only complaint would be that in the three or four times I've been there, it seems like something is always under construction, or not working. Overall though, good quality, especially for the inexpensive price. read more

Wow!! This was such a cool place. There aren't many airline or commercial aviation museums out there, but this one is just fantastic. Even though I'm an employee if another airline, I still loved reading the history and story of American Airlines simply because I am a huge commercial aviation buff. The items they have saved and the interactive exhibits are just great! So many great things to check out! I came a little late in the day and had to rush, but I would definitely go back. read more

We cannot say enough good things about Shane and Minnie. Super great folks to work with. The museum is a great place to have a reception, large, fun and reasonable. We had so many compliments from guests - "Y'all really know how to throw a party :)" Thanks CR Smith Museum staff! read more

I drove a truck for many years and on my way thru the Dallas-Ft. Worth area I'd stop and visit the C.R.Smith American airlines museum . I loved all the displays. Most are about the history of American airlines ( hents the name). I also loved the movie they showed about the history of flight, some people thought it was cheesy ( how sooo???). Also loved the first class seating ( considering I'm a coach class fligher, just can't beat 1st class, when you can get it ). All-n-all, a great aviation museum . Oh yes, they also (Yes, I love the "also")have a DC3 aircraft on display .Some thought it was "dusty", it's a 1940ish airplane, it's Going to be dusty!!! 4's read more

Great displays, hands on exhibits, informative programs, and a great movie!!!

Loved it! A little over priced and the day we were there they were having technical difficulties with their movies. But over all a fun, interesting, and great learning adventure! read more

It was amazing I loved the history of flight attendants outfits. The aircrafts where really small back then. Man fat people would not fly for sure. The shopping there is like more gift shops very expensive but the overall price is ok. The tour was self guided or follow along. Can be boring if you don't like aircraft. read more

My kid loves going here. They have a ton of neat displays for children. We have been a couple of times. My husband loves reading and listening to all the fun facts throughout the displays. It is a great way to spend some fun time indoors during the summertime. read more

A small but very interesting museum that details the history of American Airlines. One might describe it as "kitschy" -- especially the IMAX theater with its 20+ year old (first class) seats and 20+ year old film. (Both of these could use an update.) But I will admit that I learned much. Things that caught my attention were the Magnetronic Reservisor, the fact that IBM helped American create Sabre in the late 1950s, and that it was C. R. Smith (the American Airlines CEO) that persuaded Donald Douglas to design the DC-3. read more

I'm quite the aviation museum buff and I was skeptical about this one because it only has one airplane, but it proved to be worthwhile. The exhibits are well done and there are quite a few of them. If you're way early to your flight departing DFW, I highly recommend as it is only 5 minutes from the South entrance, 10 min from the rental car return and 15 from the terminals. read more

The museum is really fun for 3 to 6 year olds kids. All the state simulators kept my 4 year old entertained for 3 hrs. Love the museum. My kid had more fun for than in the perot museum. read more

For all their ads this is still a third tier operation. Perish the thought that someone may recline their seat and you'll be tasting the seat back, No room. Flight on Thanksgiving at 50% capacity yet selling seats LAX to NY at 600 per.the day before. $27 for wifi. Flight arrival at 6PM yet they only serve a very limited breakfast and snack menu and they are out of nuts on the first go round of drink service. read more