The Aviodrome is a large aviation museum and theme park located in Lelystad, the Netherlands. Established in 2003, Aviodrome is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Dutch aviation history and is home to an impressive collection of historic aircraft, exhibitions, and interactive experiences. The museum’s vast collection and immersive activities make it a popular destination for aviation enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in the evolution of flight.

Aviodrome

Pelikaanweg 50

8218 PG Luchthaven Lelystad

Netherlands

www.aviodrome.nl

info@aviodrome.nl

+31 03 20 – 28 98 42

Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

On Monday, first Christmas Day and New Year’s Day the Aviodrome is closed.

Admission fee

Gift shop

By train from Amsterdam Airport:

• To get to Aviodrome from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport take the train from platform 2 with the destination Lelystad. From Lelystad station you take Connexxion bus line 148 to the stop ‘vliegveld/Eendeweg’, just a few minutes walk from the Lelystad Airport. When you arrive at the airport Aviodrome is on your right (see sign posting).

From the direction Amsterdam:

• Take the A1 towards Amersfoort / Almere;
• Exit Almere A6 – Lelystad Harderwijk;
• First exit Lelystad onto the N302, at the traffic lights left (direction Harderwijk);
• Follow the signs Aviodrome / Luchthaven Lelystad.

Aircraft collection

PH-SAW 221/K PH-308 562 PH-NFH XN600 – G-BKRG – – PH-BUK SE-AFI 16-218 H-NABO JZ-PAD A-38 PH-MAD OO-SCD PH-176 PH-DDZ PH-PBA PH-AJU PH-TCB PH-TAR PH-VPI – – PH-OSI PH-MKC – PH-OFA 152/17 CF-AUV 634 H-NABC H-NADP – PH-NIV PH-NVF PH-FHF PH-OFA 108 E-9 PH-UEU PH-NDC PH-NEI PH-XIV -c/n 4464 PH-WEY 331 PH-HBC J-247 I-187 159/V PH-170 WV395 118 – D-8061 210 N749NL – PH-KHD 473 G-AEOF PH-POU N1247 PH-NFT PH-NHI 44-70509 B-73 N5-169 PH-1 N-16623 – – – – – 37901/51 PH-RLN PH-251 PH-375 PH-393 076/V C16 PH-TRO W57 PH-1A6 8-1 –

Aerospatiale SA365C-1 Dauphin 2 Agusta Bell AB204B Alsema Sagitta Antonov An-2R Auster J.1 Autocrat Mk.5 BAC Jet Provost T.3A (cockpit) Cameron balloncapsule Dutch Viking Beech D.18 Birdman Cherokee ULV Bleriot XI Boeing 747-206SUD Cierva C-30A autogiro Consolidated PBY5A Catalina de Havilland DH.9 (replica) de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth de Havilland DH.104 Dove de Havilland DH.104 Dove (cockpit) DFS (Fokker) Olympia Douglas C-47A Dakota Douglas C-47A Dakota Douglas DC-2 Douglas DC-3 Dakota Douglas C-54A Skymaster Evans VP-1 Volksplane Fieseler V-1 Flying Bomb Firebird Tricy ULV Fokker 50 Fokker 70 (cockpit) Fokker 100 (cockpit) Fokker 100 Fokker Dr-1 Dreidecker Fokker B.4A Fokker C.5B Fokker F.2 Fokker F.7a Fokker F.8 Duif Fokker F.27 Friendship Fokker F.27 Friendship Fokker F.27 Friendship Fokker 100 Fokker S.4 Fokker S-11 Instructor Fokker S-11 Instructor (fuselage) Fokker S-12 Fokker S-13 (tail) Fokker S-14 Machtrainer Fokker Spin III Fokker Spin type C Fouga CM170 Magister Gas balloon basket with balloon General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon Gloster Meteor Mk.8 Grumman US2N Tracker Grunau Baby IIB Hawker Hunter Mk.4 Hawker Sea Hawk FGA.6 Lilienthal Gleitflugzeug 1895 Lockheed F-104G Starfighter Lockheed SP-2H Neptune Lockheed VC-121B Constellation Luchtschipgondel ANR-1 MBB / Bölkow Bo-105C Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21PFM Mignet HM.14 Pou du Ciel Mignet HM.14 Pou du Ciel Nieuport 11 C1 Bebe (replica) N.H.I. (Sobeh) H.2 Kolibri N.H.I. (Sobeh) H.3 Kolibri Noorduyn UC-64A Norseman Noorduyn AT-6 Harvard North American B-25D Mitchell (cockpit) Pander Zogling Piper J-3 Cub Raytheon Hawk missile Rienks R-1B giroglider Rogallo zeilvliegtuig Engel Rogallo zeilvliegtuig La Mouette Cobra Rogallo zeilvliegtuig Penguin SAAB AJSH37 Viggen SAAB 91D Safir Schleicher Ka-4 Rhonlerche Schleicher Ka-4 Rhonlerche II Schleicher Ka-8B Sikorsky UH-19F Spijker V.2 (replica) Sud Aviation SE.210 Caravelle (cockpit) Van Berkel W-A (replica) Van Ommeren VO-3 ULV Westland Dragonfly HR.3 Wright Flyer I

Aviation Museum Aviodrome is the largest Dutch museum for aviation and space travel.

Some of the most popular exhibits at Aviodrome include a Fokker Spin (first aircraft built by aviation Pioneer Anthony Fokker), Lockheed Constellation airliner, Douglas DC-2 (Uiver) passenger plane, and a Fokker F-27 Friendship. The museum also features flight simulators, interactive exhibits on aviation technology and history, and a children’s play area.

The history of Dutch airlines such as KLM, Transavia, Martinair and Schreiner are also well represented with different aircraft type. Also the Royal Netherlands Air Force (Koninklijke Luchtmacht) with her fighter aircraft (Hawker Hunter), Naval aircraft (Grumman US2N Tracker) and training aircraft (Fokker S.14) are on display.

At its current location near Lelystad, the Aviodrome has three buildings that reflect on Dutch aviation history by means of themes: the main building, where most of the aircraft can be viewed, and which also has a restaurant and film theatre. In addition, there is a fully replica of the 1928 Schiphol terminal building and, finally, a large T2 hangar in which the flying collection of the Aviodrome has its home. Visitors to Aviodrome only have limited access to this hangar.

Bleriot XI

Replica of first airport building of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Aviodrome Departure

Supermarine Spitfire replica

Overview of Aviodrome at Lelystad Airport:

1. Historical Significance:
   • Aviodrome is situated at Lelystad Airport, which has been an important part of Dutch aviation history. The museum was established to celebrate and preserve the history of aviation in the Netherlands and to showcase the development of aircraft technology over the years.
   • The museum covers the history of Dutch aviation from its early pioneers to modern airliners and military aircraft, reflecting the broader trends in aviation history.
2. Aircraft Collection:
   • Aviodrome is home to a vast and varied collection of aircraft, ranging from historic planes to more modern aircraft. Notable pieces in the museum include:
     • Fokker Aircraft: The museum has an important collection of Fokker aircraft, as the Fokker company played a key role in Dutch aviation history, particularly in the development of military and commercial planes.
     • Lockheed Constellation: One of the most iconic passenger aircraft of the post-war era, the Lockheed Constellation was known for its elegant design and long-range capabilities.
     • Douglas DC-3: Another significant aircraft in aviation history, the DC-3 revolutionized air travel in the 1930s and 1940s and is widely considered one of the most important aircraft in aviation history.
     • Boeing 747: The museum also has a Boeing 747, one of the most recognizable commercial airliners in history, which serves as a symbol of the evolution of air travel.
     • Various military planes: Including examples of Dutch military aircraft from World War II and the Cold War, showcasing the country’s aviation capabilities during critical historical periods.
3. Interactive Exhibits:
   • Aviodrome is not just about static displays; it also offers interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages. The museum provides opportunities for visitors to:
     • Simulate flight using flight simulators, allowing them to experience what it’s like to fly a variety of aircraft.
     • Learn about aviation technology, from the basic principles of flight to the advanced systems used in modern airliners.
     • Understand the role of aviation in transportation, military operations, and global connectivity through multimedia displays, audio-visual presentations, and hands-on activities.
4. Educational Programs:
   • The museum hosts various educational programs, especially for school groups, to teach about the history of aviation, the science of flight, and the importance of aviation in modern society.
   • These programs include guided tours, workshops, and lectures that provide deeper insights into the aviation world, the development of flight technologies, and the impact of aviation on global trade and culture.
5. Special Exhibitions and Events:
   • Aviodrome frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and special events that focus on specific aspects of aviation history. These exhibitions often highlight specific aircraft, technological advancements, or important historical milestones in the world of aviation.
   • The museum also hosts air shows and open days, allowing visitors to see aircraft in action, meet aviation experts, and enjoy a range of aviation-related activities.
6. Visitor Experience:
   • Aviodrome is designed to be a family-friendly museum, with exhibits and activities that are engaging for both children and adults. The museum’s layout is easy to navigate, and the exhibits are designed to be both educational and entertaining.
   • The museum also features a spacious indoor area with aircraft on display, as well as an outdoor section with more aircraft and aviation-related exhibits.
   • Aviodrome is located near Lelystad Airport, so visitors can also experience the dynamic atmosphere of an active airport, further enhancing the aviation-themed experience.
7. Airplane Tours:
   • For those interested in taking their experience to the next level, the museum offers airplane tours and flights that allow visitors to see the world from the skies, offering a unique perspective of the museum and the surrounding area.

Conclusion:

Aviodrome at Lelystad Airport is one of the Netherlands’ premier aviation museums, offering a rich collection of aircraft, interactive exhibits, and educational programs. It is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts, offering a fascinating look at the evolution of aviation technology, the role of Dutch aviation history, and the global significance of air travel. Whether you’re interested in historic aircraft, modern airliners, or the technology of flight, Aviodrome provides a comprehensive and engaging experience for all visitors.

Photos Rob Vogelaar