Welcome to the City of Norwich Aviation Museum, which has been the repository of Norfolk’s aviation heritage for more than four decades. We are confident that you will learn something new because the museum features an outdoor space that houses nearly 30 aircraft, cockpit sections, and exhibits.
Exploring the museum’s diverse collection of smaller displays, such as the Royal Air Force 100 Group Room and the United States Army 8th Air Force Collection, is a great way to unwind before embarking on a guided tour of one of the three aircraft maintained by our dedicated team of volunteers.
*Tours of the Avro Vulcan Bomber, Hawker Siddeley Nimrod, Avro RJ85, Fokker Friendship F27, and Handley Page Herald are contingent on the availability of volunteers.
Founded in 1977 as an aviation enthusiasts group for members of the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company, the museum has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Following that, the membership was opened up to non-employees, and a temporary location was established on the 17/35 runway at Norwich International Airport.
Early in 1982, museum exhibits included a Dassault Mystére IV, an Avro Anson (TX228), a Westland Whirlwind (XP355), and a Sea Vixen (XP919) (121). The year 1983 marked the year that our Vulcan bomber, which had been retired from active duty, flew into the airport after arriving there by air.
By 1985, the museum had relocated to its current location, and the same year, an air fair was held to assist in raising funds for the museum’s expansion. At this point, the Anson had already departed (having been damaged beyond economical repair during gales). In 1986, on September 14th, there was another air fair that saw attendance figures break the 20,000 barrier, and there was also a new arrival called the T-33 (16718).
Over the course of the subsequent few years, services were installed, the primary exhibition hall was built, and additional aircraft began to arrive. The museum has recently increased the size of its display areas, broadened the scope of its public awareness campaign, and increased its global advertising presence by utilising its website and a variety of social media platforms.
The museum will face many challenges in the years to come, but with the help of a committed group of volunteers, we hope to be able to continue our expansion efforts and present a more comprehensive view of aviation in the region.
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