CR Smith Museum - Fort Worth, Texas

Houria Lazar

Très accueillant,et chaleureux

Max Vi

This is the place to go if you love aviation, or you just want to go somewhere and have fun, I love this museum, it has a real MD-80 plane cabin you can take a look inside, the flight simulator is something you should try also! Also there is a DC3 to take a look and it's great. And the history of aviation is just so interesting I spent at least an hour exploring the museum.

Matt Kovach

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.

Ballhawk

This is the American Airlines museum near DFW. The retired Douglas DC-3 is awesome. Please note that it’s only open from Thursday to Saturday.

Asma Ismail

It's a great place to explore American Airlines' rich history.
They even have a fun Curious George exhibit going on right now – a great way to keep the whole family entertained.

Taha Zaidi

A great museum to stop by if you're interested in commercial aviation and how it has evolved over the decades. It is run by American Airlines and you can see its trajectory through several industry firsts (e.g. the first frequent flyer program, the first lounge, the first computerized reservation system - SABRE, etc.). There are AA related artifacts such as magazines, booking schedules, cabin items, etc. from over the years on display.

One of AA's DC-3 is the highlight of the collection and is open to go inside (and observe how much more leg room it had compared to modern airliners).

There's also a nice shop on premise with souvenirs and books. The museum was pretty quiet when I went and there were only a handful of other visitors. They have some dedicated tours and events for children but the museum's timings might be an issue. Overall, it's worth a visit for all those interested in aviation.

Philip Quan

I last went to this museum about twenty years ago.
Admission is 12 dollars to enter, payable at the gift shop.

I did not notice a lot of visitors that were present were American Airlines employees in corporate indoctrination tours. (I don't mean indoctrination in its commonly held negative sense. It is great to have a place to show a company's history and background.)

The layout remained essentially the same, but I didn't realize the expansion of the children's attractions to the existing foot print. I swore there more mannequins and artifacts on display and an airport layout right behind the engine cutaway. Also missing in the front entrance was the display of C.R. Smith's medals and accolades. The rump of his exhibit was placed in a single display case by the DC-3. On the other hand, weighing myself in numbers of chickens was quite entertaining.

The grounds were well maintained, although in need of a update. The theater is such a example. The retired beige seating dating back to the 1980's reminded me how roomy seating was back then. They also showed a what they referred to as "vintage" a 1990's film about the story of the airline. Both are sad reminders of how of how the American air travel experience has declined.

For the main attraction, the DC-3 was majestic as always. Although is quite a small plane, its presence cannot be denied. Access to the aircraft is to the back. You can literally smell the leather and metal inside the aircraft. It is definitely one should immerse oneself in and feel the history.

The museum is worth a visit, I just wish they found room to add back some the adult focused exhibits back in. They do have the room to do so.

F N

Very nice little museum. It has flight simulators, the cockpit of a real airplane and a good amount of artifacts. Little kids loved the small playground/ slide and the luggage play area.

Pro tip: If your GPS/Google maps direct you to drive through Aviation Dr/DFW Airport, don’t or you’ll charge for airport parking.