HAL Aerospace Museum

The HAL Aerospace Museum is on Old Airport Road in Kodihalli, eastern Bengaluru, in Karnataka, India. Run by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, it opened in 2001 and tells the story of Indian aviation and the company's role in building aircraft and helicopters. Outdoor displays include retired fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters that visitors can walk around, while indoor galleries show engines, models, photographs, cockpits and displays on the development of Indian aerospace. A cockpit simulator lets visitors try flight controls, and a section on rocketry and space adds context on India's space efforts. Visitors typically spend one to two hours, and aviation enthusiasts may stay longer. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from about 9:00AM to 5:00PM and is closed on Mondays. Entry costs around INR 50 for Indian nationals, less for children and more for foreign nationals, with the simulator charged separately. Weekday mornings are the quietest time, while weekends bring families and school groups. The aircraft on the lawns are the best photographic subjects, especially in morning light. Old Airport Road is served by cabs and BMTC buses, and Indiranagar metro station on the Purple Line is about three kilometres away, so an auto-rickshaw or cab is usually needed for the last stretch. Traffic on Old Airport Road can be heavy at peak hours, so timing the journey outside rush hours saves time. Refreshments are limited, so visitors should carry water. Because the museum sits within the HAL complex, visitors may be asked for identification at the gate.