If you’re into airplanes or just curious about how humans took to the skies, the Volandia Park and Flight Museum at Malpensa Airport offers a captivating day out. While I haven’t personally visited (yet), I’ve gone through the details and reviews to give you an honest picture of what you can expect. This museum is a big draw for aviation enthusiasts, families, or anyone with a fascination for flight technology.
What really makes this experience stand out is its massive collection of aircraft—from models to full-sized planes—and the interactive activities designed to make learning about aviation fun and engaging. Plus, at $24 per person, it’s a pretty reasonable way to spend a few hours immersed in the story of human flight. One thing to note is that it’s quite a comprehensive experience, but some visitors have mentioned that the simulator could be improved, so if you’re after ultra-realistic flight experiences, it might not fully meet that expectation.
This tour is particularly well-suited for those who love aircraft or want a family-friendly outing that combines education with entertainment. It’s also ideal if you’re passing through Malpensa and looking to add a unique, aviation-themed stop to your itinerary.
Key Points
- Largest aviation museum in Europe provides an impressive collection of aircraft and exhibits.
- Interactive activities like flight simulators and immersive displays make it engaging.
- Rich in history with dedicated sections on pioneers and companies that shaped aviation.
- Suitable for all ages, with activities designed to spark curiosity, especially for kids.
- Accessible and convenient, with full access to outdoor and indoor exhibits, plus the outdoor playground.
- Good value at $24, covering numerous pavilions, films, simulators, and aircraft.
What Is the Volandia Park and Flight Museum?
This is a massive museum dedicated to aviation located right at Malpensa Airport in Lombardy. It claims the title of Europe’s largest aeronautical museum, and based on the reviews and offerings, it’s easy to see why. The museum aims to tell the story of flight—covering everything from early hot-air balloons to cutting-edge aircraft—through engaging exhibits that appeal to both enthusiasts and casual visitors.
The entry ticket includes access to all parts of the museum, plus several added extras like a planetarium show, flight simulators, a cinema with historical films, and even the chance to board actual aircraft including an MD-80, DC-9, and a CH-47 helicopter. You’ll also find outdoor displays, a playground, and a variety of restaurants and bars, making it a full day activity suitable for families or aviation buffs.
A Closer Look at the Museum Layout
The museum is divided into five main areas, each focusing on different aspects of aviation. This segmentation helps you navigate the exhibits and understand the evolution of flight:
1. Forms of Flight
Here, you’ll see early aviation devices and hot-air balloons, learning how humans first took to the skies. It’s a fascinating start that sets the tone for what’s to come.
2. Fixed Wing Aircraft
This section features an impressive array of airplanes—large commercial jets, military planes, and everything in between. The collection is designed to showcase the variety and versatility of fixed-wing aircraft.
More Great Tours Nearby3. Rotary Wing (Helicopters)
Helicopters have their own dedicated area, revealing their importance in rescue, industry, and travel. The collection demonstrates how rotary wings differ from traditional planes and their unique capabilities.
4. Model Aircraft
This part is a favorite for model aircraft enthusiasts, displaying intricate replicas that highlight various aircraft designs over the years.
5. Convertiplanes and Modern Technologies
The latest innovations, such as convertiplanes, are showcased here, giving you a glimpse of where aviation might be headed.
What You’ll Experience During Your Visit
The real charm of Volandia is its interactive elements. For example, flight simulators are available for those aged 12 and above, offering a taste of what it’s like to pilot a plane. Visitors have noted that these simulators add a layer of excitement, even if they’re not hyper-realistic, based on the review stating, “the simulator can be improved.”
The outdoor areas are equally engaging, featuring aircraft you can walk through and outdoor displays that give a sense of scale and history. The boardings on real aircraft like the MD-80 and DC-9 are particularly popular, providing a tangible connection to aviation history. For kids, there’s a dedicated outdoor playground and picnic area, making it a great family outing.
Immersive Displays and Films
The museum offers a planetarium show, which is a nice touch for those interested in celestial navigation or space-related flight. Plus, the cinema plays historical movies, adding an educational layer to the visit. These films help bring the stories of pioneers and innovations to life, making the experience more memorable.
Educational Resources
If you’re someone who loves to dig deeper, there’s a library and archives section dedicated to the pioneers and companies linked to Lombardy’s nickname, the “Province with Wings.” It’s a neat touch for history buffs or researchers.
The Practical Side: What to Know Before You Go
The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on weekends from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. It’s closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. The last entry is one hour before closing, so don’t arrive too late.
The ticket price of $24 might seem modest, but considering what’s included—full access to all exhibits, the planetarium, simulators, aircraft boarding, and more—it offers good value. There’s also the option to reserve and pay later, which adds flexibility, especially if your plans are uncertain.
For accessibility, the museum is wheelchair friendly, and the activities are designed to be inclusive, which is a big plus if you’re traveling with mobility challenges.
What Do Visitors Say?
With a 4.3-star rating based on six reviews, feedback is generally positive. Visitors love the variety of aircraft—“the variety of planes,” as one reviewer put it—and the interactive flight simulators are a highlight. However, some noted that the simulator experience could be improved, indicating that while fun, it might not be perfectly realistic.
The views and displays seem to leave an impression, with one reviewer mentioning the “stunning views” as a memorable aspect. The outdoor areas and aircraft boardings make the experience hands-on and tangible, which many visitors appreciate.
Is This Tour Right for You?
If you’re passionate about airplanes or want an activity that combines learning with fun, Volandia offers a comprehensive aviation experience. It’s perfect for families looking to entertain kids while teaching them about flight. Enthusiasts will enjoy the extensive collection and the chance to get close to actual aircraft.
However, if you’re seeking a highly realistic flight simulation experience, you might find it somewhat limited. The museum’s focus is broader—covering history, models, and technology—rather than intense flight training.
It’s especially suitable for those passing through Malpensa or taking a day trip in Lombardy. Given the full access to outdoor exhibits, indoor displays, and additional attractions like the planetarium, it’s a well-rounded stop that can easily fill half a day.
Final Thoughts
The Volandia Park and Flight Museum stands out as a must-visit for anyone intrigued by aviation or traveling with kids who love aircraft. Its combination of stunning aircraft displays, interactive activities, and educational resources make it both fun and informative. For the price, you’re getting access to an impressive array of exhibits and experiences that tell the story of how humans conquered the skies.
While it might not satisfy those looking for ultra-realistic flight simulators or the latest high-tech attractions, it more than makes up for it with its breadth of aircraft, outdoor displays, and family-friendly amenities. It’s a place where your curiosity about flight can take flight itself.
If you’re near Malpensa or have a day to spare and want a hands-on, engaging look at aviation history, this museum deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Malpensa: Volandia Park and Flight Museum Entry Ticket
“the variety of planes.. the simulator can be improved”
FAQ
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, the museum offers hands-on activities, a dedicated outdoor playground, and aircraft boarding experiences that are great for kids. The flight simulators are accessible from age 12 upwards.
What is included in the ticket price?
Your $24 ticket grants you full access to all pavilions, the planetarium show, flight simulators, historical movies, aircraft boarding on the MD-80, DC-9, and CH-47, outdoor displays, and use of the picnic area and restaurants.
When can I visit the museum?
It’s open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on weekends from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The last entry is one hour before closing.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility challenges.
Can I see real aircraft up close?
Absolutely. You can board aircraft like the MD-80 and DC-9, and walk around outdoor displays of planes and helicopters.
What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel your reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.
Is the experience suitable for a solo traveler?
Definitely. The exhibits are engaging enough to enjoy alone, and the interactive activities add to the experience.
Are there food options available?
Yes, there are bars and restaurants inside the museum, plus picnic areas if you prefer a packed lunch.
Whether you’re an aviation geek, a family with curious kids, or someone passing through Malpensa, the Volandia Museum offers a solid, well-rounded experience. It’s a place where you can learn, explore, and get inspired—all about the incredible journey of human flight.
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