Delta Flight Museum to reopen in April with new exhibits, interactive features

Experience lie-flat suites equipped with sliding privacy doors, expansive 4K screens, Bluetooth connectivity, and high-speed internet.

In discussing recent advancements in air travel, much of the conversation revolves around the exciting new features airlines are rapidly incorporating to attract customers — over 18 million of whom flew in the U.S. just last week.

Flying has become an essential part of modern life, especially for travel enthusiasts, making it easy to overlook the incredible nature of airplanes and the concept of flight itself.

Next month, the nation’s oldest airline will reopen a museum dedicated to its origins, offering a glimpse into the beginnings of a mode of transportation that has indeed expanded accessibility for those eager (and prepared with points) to explore the world.

Read more: Beginners’ guide to points, miles, and credit card travel options

Delta Museum Reopening

On April 7, Delta Air Lines will officially welcome guests back to its museum, situated on the grounds of its home airport.

The Delta Flight Museum has been closed for the past two months for a $100 million upgrade that introduced new interactive exhibits to the site, conveniently located just a five-minute drive from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

This renovation is part of a year-long celebration marking Delta’s 100th anniversary, enhancing the museum’s mission to narrate the airline’s first century of operations.

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“We wanted the museum to look exceptional,” said Nina Thomas, director of exhibits and public programs. “We aimed for increased interactivity, allowing visitors to engage in smaller, immersive experiences while still capturing the grandeur of our aircraft.”

Exploring the New Facilities

Indeed, there are numerous aircraft on display, although some are vintage — including a prominent Boeing 747 that was a beloved aspect of Delta’s fleet, retired after its final flight in 2015.

Inside, the museum has revamped its walk-through exhibit of the original Boeing 767, affectionately known as the “Spirit of Delta.” This jet was integrated into the airline’s fleet in 1982 after being acquired through a grassroots campaign led by Delta’s staff, an effort honored with new onboard media.

The retro cabin from the 1980s is a highlight for aviation enthusiasts young and old, showcasing vintage large movie screens, which have largely been replaced by modern seatback displays today.

As a staple of the museum since its retirement in the mid-2000s, crews have also made the Spirit of Delta more accessible by removing some seats to accommodate wheelchair users.

Exciting New Features and Interactive Exhibits

The museum is housed in the two oldest hangars at ATL, the world’s busiest airport, which is also celebrating its centennial in 2025.

Among the displays are aircraft from Delta’s early crop-dusting days, and AI technology activates historical black-and-white photos depicting the bustling aircraft maintenance operations that were once conducted in these structures — a precursor to today’s expansive tech ops center located in Atlanta.

Just a short distance away, a new Airbus-sponsored exhibit not only provides a fun experience for kids but also offers insights into aviation career possibilities.

Boeing also sponsors a dynamic exhibition showcasing aircraft flown by Delta over the years, including those from airlines acquired through mergers and current SkyTeam partners such as Korean Air and KLM. Surrounding the display, visitors can find historic route maps reflecting the changes that Delta has undergone throughout the years, all while remaining true to its Atlanta roots.

After traveling through a tunnel marked by the company’s historic “Fly Delta jets” branding, guests can embark on a virtual tour of the global destinations Delta serves, featuring an extended reality display created with American Express and narrated by a Delta captain.

A newly curated collection showcases artifacts from Delta’s predecessor airlines, including Northwest, Pan Am, Pacific, and Northeast. The oldest artifact? A wicker chair that once served as a passenger seat on a DC-3, the airline’s oldest passenger plane, which back in 1929 cost $90 — roughly equivalent to nearly $1,700 today in 2025 dollars.

A stunning Delta mural created by a student from Georgia’s Savannah College of Arts and Design can be admired above visitors’ heads.

Finally, aviation enthusiasts can engage with an upgraded Boeing 737 flight simulator.

On the ground floor, a touchscreen wall presents an interactive timeline chronicling Delta’s history, highlighting significant milestones such as the introduction of Biscoff cookies on board in 1988 (cookies now adorned with its centennial logo), and the moment in 1995 when it became the first U.S. airline to prohibit onboard smoking. Additionally, visitors can see the special centennial livery that the airline unveiled just last week.

“Our history showcases the progress we’ve made, but more importantly, it is a testament to the incredible people within our organization,” stated Allison Ausband, Delta’s Chief People Officer. “While airlines may invest in the same aircraft and amenities, it is the Delta team that truly sets us apart.”

From 1925 to 2025 and Beyond

Currently, Delta focuses on solidifying its reputation as the leading premium airline in the U.S. with offerings such as its Delta One Lounge and Sky Club networks, lucrative partnerships with American Express, and premium seating options. These enhancements are complemented by recent innovations like complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi and partnerships launched in January with companies like YouTube and Uber.

Looking ahead, the airline is poised to explore new aircraft and technologies, as executives indicated at a major keynote address held at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

Yet, as we embrace technologies that allow us to book cutting-edge lie-flat seats with points accrued through credit cards, it’s fascinating to remember a time when none of this was possible — a century ago.

“Our first loyalty program acknowledged a ‘Flying Colonel,'” Ausband recalled. “Back in 1964, we recognized individuals with certificates thanking them for aiding in the development of aviation. Now, we stand at an entirely new milestone.”

The refreshed museum invites everyone to contemplate this evolution starting from April 7.

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