The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, in partnership with the City of Irvine, held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Marine Corps Aviation Museum at the Great Park. This milestone event celebrated the legacy of Marine Corps Aviation and marked the beginning of construction for a world-class museum, set to open in spring 2027.

“Seeing the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum come home to its original location and serve as a beacon of history, valor, and education is one of my proudest moments as the Chair of the Great Park Board,” said Great Park Board Chairman and Councilmember Mike Carroll. “This milestone, coupled with the United States Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, couldn’t feel more right.”

The new museum will feature more than restored aircraft; it will be a place of learning and enrichment. With over 40 aircraft in its collection, it will remain a pinnacle of learning for youth and college students through STEAM-focused programs. Additionally, a research library will be on-site featuring books, photos, and materials related to Marine Corps aviation and its history.

“As a longtime proponent of preserving the history of the park and honoring those who have served, the groundbreaking of this facility that will do just that was nothing short of remarkable,” said Mayor Larry Agran. “I’m proud to have been supportive of this initiative since the beginning and to be able to see it come to fruition.”

The event included a history of the museum and its aircraft, along with remarks from City of Irvine officials and numerous leaders from the United States Marine Corps and Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation. Attendees had an opportunity to see firsthand restored aircraft and other projects in progress at the current restoration hangar at the Great Park.

The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is the first museum to break ground in the Cultural Terrace section of the Great Park Framework Plan. The plan brings 300 acres of exciting new park amenities to the existing 500 acres of the Great Park that are built and operating. Once complete, the 1,300-acre Great Park will be a world-class destination and municipal park.

To learn more about the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, visit their website. To learn more about the City of Irvine and development at the Great Park, visit the City’s development website.

Download photos of the groundbreaking ceremony.