The Lone Star Flight Museum will reopen May 23, after more than two months of closure due to the coronavirus, with a celebration, according to a news release.

From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., visitors can make their own victory gardens, attend talks about various aircraft, eat at food trucks and more, per the release. All visitors over age 10 will be required to wear a face mask, per the release.

The museum, located at Ellington Airport, will operate with altered hours after its reopening: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

Museum staff have been planning ways to operate at reduced capacity while still creating fun experiences since the March 15 closure, per the release. Admission rates have also changed to reflect the times.


“Because we are acutely aware of the financial burden this pandemic has caused, we invite the Houston community to come and enjoy the Lone Star Flight Museum and Pay What You Can for admission,” the release said.



The museum will operate at 25% capacity and use floor decals to promote social distancing. Staff will monitor visitor numbers and limit the number of visitors in non-touch galleries that will remain open. All interactive screens throughout the museum will remain off, and hands-on experiences and exhibits will not be available.

The Waltrip and Heritage Hangars housing all aircraft will remain open. The hangar overlooks, Heritage Gallery, the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and the museum gift shop will also remain open with a limited number of visitors entering at a time. The Flight Academy will be limited to visual engagement only, and the Aviation Learning Center and simulators will remain closed.

Museum staff will have daily temperature screenings and practice social distancing in all areas of the museum. Those engaging with the public will wear gloves and masks at all times, and the museum will be sanitized periodically throughout the day. Dedicated entrances and exits throughout the museum will be marked and stationed.

The Lone Star Flight Museum aims to celebrate flight and achievements in Texas aviation educate and engage youth through science, technology, engineering, and math. In addition to the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, the 130,000-square-foot museum is home to a flying collection of rare and historic commercial, general aviation and military aircraft, per the release.


Editor's note: This story was updated at 10:18 a.m. on May 22 with accurate altered hours.