Name: Alberta Aviation Museum
Address: Canada

Heritage Setting

The Alberta Aviation Museum is located in Hangar 14 at the former Edmonton City Centre Airport (Blatchford Field). The hangar is a rare “double-double” BCATP structure built during World War II, designated both as a Provincial and Municipal Historic Resource. Its immense 72,000 sq ft wooden structure remains emblematic of aviation training history in Canada.

Aircraft Collection & Exhibits

Inside the hangar, visitors explore an impressive display of over thirty historic aircraft, spanning bush planes, bombers, early jets, and replicas. The collection includes iconic models such as Avro Anson, Canadair Sabre, CF-101 Voodoo, Noorduyn Norseman, de Havilland Mosquito, Stinson Reliant, and more. Additional hands-on experiences include flight simulators, restoration workshops, museum shop, and interactive displays.

Visitor Info & Operations

The museum welcomes guests six days a week and recommends purchasing advanced time-entry tickets online to streamline visits. Admission rates are modest and tiered: Adults $15; Seniors & Students $12; Youth & Children rates; plus a family pass option.

Structural Challenges & Preservation

As a heritage building, Hangar 14 is under serious structural strain. Estimates suggest a need for roughly $41 million in upgrades by 2027 to ensure safety and integrity. Despite a renewed 25-year lease, the future of the building remains uncertain amidst discussions about its long-term preservation or relocation.

Cultural Role & Community Value

The Alberta Aviation Museum acts as a cultural steward, dedicated to preserving Edmonton’s aviation legacy. It supports Air Cadet and RCAF-associated groups, conducts restoration, and educates the public on regional aviation heritage. The loss of neighboring Hangar 11 in 2024 reinforces urgency to protect what remains.

Final Thoughts

The museum delivers an immersive journey through Alberta’s aviation story, set within a rare heritage structure. Its evocative aircraft collection and community-centered mission make it a valuable cultural asset. Yet without decisive preservation efforts, the building’s precarious condition threatens that legacy—highlighting both the museum’s value and its vulnerability.