The museum is dedicated to Farnborough's proud aviation heritage and significant contribution to air science and research, and offers an important educational resource as well as an entertaining and stimulating day out for anyone interested in aviation history and scientific progress.
About the FAST Museum
No other single location in the world has contributed so much to the development of aeronautical science over such a long period of time as Farnborough. From the first airborne cameras and flying clothing to high altitude 'space suits', night vision aids, head-up cockpit displays and the first carbon fibre experiments - the list of Farnborough's aerospace contributions is endless.
The FAST Museum collection includes an enormous archive of equipment, machinery, photographs, films, reports and books related to this illustrious history. The collection is continuously being recorded and updated by voluntary effort. Increasingly this work is being recognised by world-class institutions, such as The Air League, The Royal Aeronautical Society, The Science Museum and The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
The Farnborough Museum presents a selection from the FAST collection in the setting of a historic listed building. The Museum building dates from 1908 and was built as the headquarters of the Royal Engineers Balloon School. It is superbly located on a hill overlooking the runway of Fanborough Airfield - so modern planes can be seen in the air as well as historic planes on display in and around the Museum building.
The Museum is managed by the Trustees of FAST and the day to day running is in the capable hands of the volunteers of the FAST Association who undertake the archiving, restoration, maintenance and display activities, as well as maintaining off-site storage facilities and providing guides and a lecture service.
In the Musuem you can see photographs and exhibits from the early years of aviation and important pieces of aviation history, like Sir Frank Whittle's earliest jet engines, a full size replica of the Cody Flyer and research models of Concorde. You can watch demonstrations of a working wind tunnel, take part in a flight simulation and much, much more!
Accessibility
We are committed to ensuring the FAST Museum is accessible to all visitors, regardless of disability and hope that our facilities enhance your visit. The Museum is wheelchair accessible. Disabled toilets are available. Volunteer staff are always on hand for assistance and will be more than happy to help you.
Car Parking
Parking is free at the Museum and there is plenty of space.
