The Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina, tells the history of U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations forces, from the 1940 Parachute Test Platoon through the Global War on Terror. This guide covers the museum’s stories, regular hours, free admission and practical details for planning a visit.
- Location: 100 Bragg Boulevard, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301, in downtown Fayetteville.
- Time to allow: The museum recommends 2–3 hours for the museum and grounds.
- Admission: Free; donations are appreciated.
- Regular hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
Location and museum overview
The Airborne and Special Operations Museum is at 100 Bragg Boulevard in downtown Fayetteville. It was established in August 2000 and opened on August 16, 2000, the 60th anniversary of the first parachute jump by the original Parachute Test Platoon.
From this motel in Fayetteville, the museum is about a 2-minute drive or a 16-minute walk. The museum recommends allowing 2–3 hours to tour the museum and grounds, so plan for more than a brief stop if you want to take in both.
Exhibits and the stories they cover
The museum’s exhibits trace U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations forces from the 1940 Parachute Test Platoon through the Global War on Terror. Their subjects include missions and conflicts across several decades.
Displays include an Afghan hut illustrating Green Berets’ work alongside local fighters in Afghanistan and a UH-1 “Huey” helicopter presented in a Vietnam-era scene. Another exhibit covers the 1989 rescue of American hostage Kurt Muse in Panama by Special Operations “Little Birds.”
For another perspective on Fayetteville’s history, the story of what to see at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex offers a related museum outing.
Hours, admission, and visitor access
Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM–4 PM
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The museum lists Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday as closure days. It says it is open on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day. Hours and holiday access can change, so check the official site before you go.
The exhibits and grounds are accessible, and handicap parking is available near the entrance. Visitors who need a wheelchair can ask at the Information Desk; Visitor Services has four wheelchairs available.
Free parking is in front of the museum. The lot can accommodate RVs and buses, with large-vehicle parking also available along Hillsboro Street and in the lot beside North Carolina State Veterans Park.
Bags are not permitted inside and may be subject to search. Food, beverages and smoking are not allowed in the museum or galleries, and flash photography is prohibited.
Service animals specially trained to assist a person with a disability are welcome in public spaces; emotional-support animals, comfort animals and therapy dogs are not permitted. Professional videography, filming and photography of the grounds and galleries require approval from Fort Bragg Public Affairs.
Pairing the museum with downtown Fayetteville
Because the museum is in downtown Fayetteville, you can combine its visit with time in the city centre. The one-day route through downtown Fayetteville covers a broader day in the area. Allow the museum’s recommended 2–3 hours when arranging the rest of your plans.
FAQs
Is admission to the Airborne and Special Operations Museum free?
Yes. Admission is free, and the museum appreciates donations.
How long should you plan for a visit?
The museum recommends allowing 2–3 hours to tour the museum and grounds.
What are the museum’s regular hours?
Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday. Check the official site before you go for current hours and holiday access.
Can visitors use a wheelchair at the museum?
The exhibits and grounds are accessible, and visitors can ask the Information Desk for a wheelchair. Visitor Services has four wheelchairs available.