The Palm Springs Air Museum was named as one of the world’s 14 best aviation museums in the world by CNN.  As an event photographer in Palm Springs, California, I have had the privilege over the past ten years of photographing many major events at the museum, including the annual Palm Springs Air Museum Gala, held every year in February, as well as the annual Memorial Day Flower Drop & Air Fair.

Located on the north side of the Palm Springs International Airport, the Palm Springs Air Museum features one of the world’s largest collections of flyable U.S. fighting planes form World War II as well as a growing collection of military aircraft from the Korean and Vietnam War eras.

The official opening of the museum was attended by a crowd of 3,000 people and took place on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 1996.  In attendance that day were Palm Springs Mayor Sonny Bono, President & Mrs. Gerald Ford, President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush, and record-setting test pilot Chuck Yeager.

On display at the time were a number of planes, including the B-25 Mitchell Bomber, P-51 Mustang, and P-63 Kingcobra from the collection of Minneapolis businessman Robert Pond. These and other several other of Pond’s planes formed the nucleus of the current Palm Springs Air Museum’s collection.

In addition to planes, the museum features artifacts, artwork, photographs, military uniforms, a gift shop, an extensive library and simulator. Visitors can choose from rides on a number of vintage planes starting at $99.

Gregg Felsen Photography has been a regular photographer for the museum. Contact us for your photography needs.