Air Zoo

. Many of its antique planes are airworthy.

History

The Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum was founded in 1977 under the idea that it would be: "Dedicated to preserving and displaying historical and military artifacts and to serving as a research and educational facility for this country and abroad." The doors opened on November 18 1979 to great local acclaim, and the museum quickly developed into the tenth-largest nongovernmental aviation museum in the United States.

In 1994 the Restoration Center was added, changing the museum's role from only displaying to restoring and rebuilding old aircraft to proper working order. This helped Kalamazoo to gain credibility and to be recognized as one of the country's premier aviation attractions.

In early 1999, the moniker "Air Zoo" was adopted and as the leaders began plans for a major reconstruction. On April 25 2003, construction began on a new convert|120000|sqft|m2|sing=on facility that would double its original size and boast vintage aircraft, flight simulators, amusement rides, Smithsonian exhibitions, character actors, and a 4-D theater, which combines 3-D filmmaking with special effects such as rocking chairs and plumes of smoke simulating anti-aircraft fire. Bob Ellis, executive director for the Air Zoo, spoke with reporters when the new facility opened in April 2004:

"The new Air Zoo doesn't just teach people about history, it surrounds them with it. There will always be something new to see. Because of our partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, the Air Zoo has access to over 142 million artifacts and an endless source of world-famous traveling exhibitions."

The new building also holds a world record. The largest indoor mural greets visitors as soon as they enter with a convert|25000|sqft|m2|sing=on tribute to the history of flight. Creator and aviation artist Rick Herter named the mural "Century of Flight". Tony Hendrick serves as the project's assistant artist and had this to say:

"I want people to walk inside the Air Zoo and escape to another place in time, the mural helps them do that by making the physical walls seem to disappear."

Miriel Williams, sub-contracted by Mr. Herter, completed the convert|168|ft|m|sing=on "Night to Day" mural located on the wall opposite "Century of Flight". This unique mural, positioned between "Century of Flight" and a computer generated background on an adjacent wall, adds the finishing touch, and creates a stunning mystical effect.

Stuart Claxton, research manager for Guinness, was on hand to officially induct the mural into the Guinness Book of World Records, saying:

"Guinness World Records is all about celebrating ordinary, everyday people who do extraordinary things. Today we congratulate the Air Zoo and artists Rick Herter and Tony Hendrick for developing a mural that is not only breathtaking, but it also has set a Guinness World Record as the largest indoor mural."

In June of 2007, the Michigan Space & Science Center opened in the old building (East Campus). The building features several artifacts from the defunct Jackson Space Center and features several attractions as well as a World War II Aircraft display.

Rides/Attractions at the AIR ZOO

MISSIONS Theatre-Salute To Heroes-Located in the AIR ZOO's Main Campus, the MISSIONS Theatre-Salute To Heroes is one of the highlight attractions at the museum. The MISSIONS Theatre was the first attraction of its kind in the Midwest. It's a 4D theatre with a 180 degree looming screen. The theatre is inside of an authentically built World War II Quonshut. The Salute to Heroes experience puts you in the middle of a World War II bombing mission over Nazi Germany. You join the crew of the "Kalamazoo Gal" B-17 through a mission and touching story that you will never forget. Not only do objects pop out of the screen towards you, but your seats also move and you can feel and smell everything that is happening. The Video itself was developed through a combination of 3D Computer animation and live actors. It was developed by the AI Group of the United Kingdom.

Montgolfier Brother's Balloon Ride (Main Campus)-The first flight made by man was in a Hot-Air Balloon by the Montgolfier Brothers. Experience a flight in a hot-air balloon in this spinning family ride built by Zierer.

Flying Circus- (Main Campus) A kiddie/family Barnstormer ride built by Zierer. Take the controls of a stunt biplane as you rotate around the centerpiece.

Sentinels At Sea MaxFlight Missions- (Main Campus) Another highlight of your trip to the AIR ZOO is the Sentinels At Sea Exhibit. Take the controls of one of four simulators themed to Navy Flying near your favorite Navy aircraft. These simulators were designed by MaxFlight and pitch 360 degrees in full motion. Thats right, you can flip upside down in these simulators and dogfight other aircraft. Its an experience you won't soon forget.

Journey's Beyond- (Main Campus) This 3D Simulator will take you through a Space Mission. Blasting off from Cape Canaveral and docking with the International Space Station. Once docked, you will take a virtual tour of the station and see the last component added to it. From there, you will then undock and go through re-entry before touching down at the Shuttle Landing Strip. With your Mission Complete, you will leave the simulator in awe of what you just experienced. The film for this simulator was also developed by the AI Group.

A Trip to Mars- Located in the Space & Science Center "A Trip to Mars" is the Newest Simulator at the AIR ZOO. The simulator simulates a mission to Mars and lasts approximately 5 Minutes. During the simulation, guests will experience what might be NASA's next generation of space vehicles.

Lunar Leap-On this attraction located in the Space & Science Center, Guests can experience lunar gravity, which is 1/6 that of Earths. This Attraction is basically a bungee trampoline.

Space Walk (Space & Science Center)-This Attraction allows guests to walk treads around a cylinder and change direction much like astronauts do.

Space Sick- (Space & Science Center) This is actually one attraction designed to make you sick. This attraction is meant to simulate what astronauts experience in their first few days of weightlessness.

Mars Pathfinder-This attraction located in the Mars Section of the Space & Science Center allows guests to drive a full-scale replica of the Mars Rover on simulated Martian Landscape.

List of planes on display

External links

* [http://www.airzoo.org/ Air Zoo official website]

References

*O'Leary, Michael. [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3901/is_200404/ai_n9358038 "New Aviation Museum prepares for takeoff"] , "Air Classics", April, 2004, retrieved December 1, 2006.
*Prichard, James. [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-92490455.html "The sky's the limit for museum mural"] , "The Associated Press", March 21, 2004, retrieved December 1, 2006.
*Prichard, James. [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-94042003.html "New Interactive Aviation Museum Has Rides"] , "The Associated Press Online", May 1, 2004, retrieved December 1, 2006.
* [http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/032704/tra_20040327117.shtml "Expanded Kalamazoo Air Zoo prepares for takeoff"] , "The Oakland Press", March 27, 2004, retrieved December 1, 2006.