American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center
American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center
American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center
4.5
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, located in the land of industry innovators in the Philadelphia region, is the nation's premier aviation museum devoted exclusively to helicopters. Established in 1996, the nonprofit organization collects, restores and displays rotary-wing aircraft, including over 35 civilian and military helicopters, autogiros and convertiplanes.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
153 reviews
Excellent
75
Very good
58
Average
18
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Jack S
Charleston, SC191 contributions
Dec 2021
Whenever visiting PA, or the Old Country as members of our family call it, it's customary to visit one of the many little museums that dot the landscape throughout the Keystone State.
Grandpa chose the American Helicopter Museum because of its proximity to the QVC HQ and Studio (as if he were planning to sell a Wonder Mop or X-ray Sunglasses on TV)???
The ride was pretty uneventful, passing by brand new strip malls and condo converted rust belt factory buildings and old Trump 2020 signs.
The museum itself is definitely one of those volunteer supported passion projects.
Manned by veterans and "copter" enthusiasts, who didn't have a lot to work with in terms of space, but still managed to cram the converted airport hanger inside and out with interesting and imaginative exhibits, videos and of course, very very cool helicopters, several of which one can enter.
A terrific and friendly staff, all willing to share their vast knowledge with visitors.
A solid little gift shop, and enough stuff to keep everyone in the family engaged during their visit.
Absolutely a must see for anyone that wants to learn a lot or a little about "rotary-wing' history!
Grandpa chose the American Helicopter Museum because of its proximity to the QVC HQ and Studio (as if he were planning to sell a Wonder Mop or X-ray Sunglasses on TV)???
The ride was pretty uneventful, passing by brand new strip malls and condo converted rust belt factory buildings and old Trump 2020 signs.
The museum itself is definitely one of those volunteer supported passion projects.
Manned by veterans and "copter" enthusiasts, who didn't have a lot to work with in terms of space, but still managed to cram the converted airport hanger inside and out with interesting and imaginative exhibits, videos and of course, very very cool helicopters, several of which one can enter.
A terrific and friendly staff, all willing to share their vast knowledge with visitors.
A solid little gift shop, and enough stuff to keep everyone in the family engaged during their visit.
Absolutely a must see for anyone that wants to learn a lot or a little about "rotary-wing' history!
Written December 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan D
Philadelphia, PA19 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
We didn’t know what to expect when we decided to visit the museum. It was excellent! The displays were well done with a good mix of narrative, interactive exhibits, video and lots of opportunities go get inside the helicopters. There was at least one staff member on hand at all times to describe exhibits and answer questions. The staff really helped to engage younger visitors. There was also a small area for children to explore, play and read. Outstanding!
Written April 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathlene
4 contributions
Oct 2021
What a great experience. I learned of this museum through a group event. This event brought me to PA from the U.S.northeast corner and I am so glad it did.Not only did I learn a lot about helicopters, but also of the history of these amazing machines. On top of that, the special event was amazing - again learning - about a historic rescue and the men and women who performed this feat. It's so fascinating to put yourself in someone else's shoes at a time with no conveniences, and feel the hardship they endured, yet feel the true richness of helping others. Thank you for a great evening out of the ordinary. It truly is more than a museum!
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ARL2601
Arlington, VA224 contributions
May 2022
I applaud any all of these tiny specialty museums for being guardians of the flame as it were, but alas this one teeters on the line of feeling like an eagle scout project. The machines themselves are of course cool to see up close. But the mannequins are cheesy, the displays are dated, and in one instance incorrect (naming a model Augusta AW139 as a AW109). The biographical information on Sirkorsky and Piasecki I can read online. If there's a specific bird here you want to go see, or are particularly into aviation, then go. Otherwise, I'd recommend the Patuxent Naval Air Musuem as a much better overall experience.
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David L
West Chester, PA3 contributions
Sep 2019 • Family
After an active session at the swing set we arrived at the helecopter museum. The boys. 3 and 1.5 were immediately attracted to the copters. And so was I. We climbed in those copters we could and spent time buckling up and in buckling in the pilots seat. We were delighted that other children arrived in. the play room The boys played with the other kids Built blocks and played on the small copter over and over. Well worth the visit ( three hours). A good time was had by all What a treasure.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelinFamilyBoston
Boston302 contributions
Aug 2020
I really enjoyed this museum. I'm an aviation buff, and I've visited most of the aviation-related museums in the country, but somehow missed this one. It is small but quite well-organized and the audio tour was informative. Most of the exhibits you can see very close-up, though the few you could enter were closed due to COVID. I learned a lot about the early history and development of helicopters.
If you fly in by private plane you can park on the ramp right in front of the museum. There is a friendly FBO with fuel truck across the field.
If you fly in by private plane you can park on the ramp right in front of the museum. There is a friendly FBO with fuel truck across the field.
Written August 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LauraLazewski
Emmett, ID277 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
I’ve known about this place for years and finally checked it out with a friend. A Vietnam vet showed us around and even gave us a quick lesson in a helicopter similar to what he flew in the military! His information and personality made a neat museum much more informative and enjoyable. I didn’t realize how much of helicopter invention happened in the greater Philadelphia area. Now I’m got to try an actual lesson and fly one for myself!
Written May 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosemarie T
West Chester, PA155 contributions
Feb 2019 • Family
Great collection of helicopters & related artifacts. We went for a birthday party, which was awesome. Party room available for food. Nice talk given by staff for the children!
Written July 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth F
7 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
This is a great little museum. We enjoyed all of the displays and the simulator, too. Staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely worth the time and money.
Written June 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham G
Baltimore, MD448 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
Rode up with friends from Baltimore for a visit. Terrific displays of both civil and military helicopters. Displays also tell the history of helicopter aviation development in the surrounding area. Saw several families there also while visiting so it's great for people of all ages. Terrific for the aviation buff, those interested in history, and just as a great day out. This was the second time I've been here and there is always something new to see. Four in our group were vets and they received a discount. Highly recommend, a great time.
Written July 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy F
Prospect, PA
How much is it for birthday parties?
Susan B
Winchester, MA161 contributions
I don't not the cost. I do know that our historical society booked and paid for our visit and that the price was reasonable. I can also share that there were quite a few children visiting when we were their and they were having a ball.
Galinda15
Selden32 contributions
How far is this from Philadelphia?
Ginny Z
West Chester, PA439 contributions
West Chester is west of Philadelphia. It will take about 45 minutes to travel from Philadelphia to West Chester. You can reach the area by traveling west on Route 3 (West Chester Pike) or by using the Schuylkill Expressway to Route 202 South.
American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center (West Chester) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center
- American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Wed - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center:
- (2.95 mi) Hampton Inn Philadelphia / Great Valley / Malvern
- (9.51 mi) Alpenhof Bed and Breakfast
- (8.04 mi) Home2 Suites by Hilton Glen Mills Chadds Ford
- (4.68 mi) Sonesta ES Suites Malvern Valley Forge
- (7.97 mi) Best Western Plus Concordville Hotel
- Restaurants near American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center:
- (2.61 mi) The Couch Tomato Cafe', West Chester
- (2.50 mi) Limoncello Ristorante & Caterers
- (2.57 mi) Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
- (0.67 mi) Goal Line Pub
- (0.73 mi) Vanos Pizza & Italian Restaurant