About The Museum
The museum started out as an aviation enthusiasts group for members of the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company way back in 1977. The membership was later opened up to non employees and a temporary site was secured on the 17/35 runway at Norwich Airport.
In early 1982, museum exhibits included Avro Anson (TX228), Westland Whirlwind (XP355), Sea Vixen (XP919) and a Dassault Mystére IV (121). 1983 saw the arrival of our Vulcan bomber which flew in to the airport after its retirement from service.
By 1985 the museum had moved to its present site and an air fair held to help raise funds to expand the museum. At this time the Anson had gone (having been damaged beyond economical repair during gales). 1986 saw another air fair on 14th September that saw attendance figures break the 20,000 barrier and another arrival, T-33 (16718).
Over the next few years, services were laid, the main exhibition hall erected and the arrival of more aircraft. Recently the museum has expanded its display areas, widened its public awareness campaign, and advertised itself globally through its website and various social media platforms.
The future holds many obstacles for the museum but with a dedicated group of volunteers we hope to carry on expanding and provide a more comprehensive view of aviation in the area.
Museum Timeline
1977 The Eastern Counties Omnibus Company started an aviation enthusiasts group.
1982 Avro Anson TX228, Westland Whirlwind XP355, Sea Vixen XP919 and Dassault Mystere IV (121) arrive at the museum.
1983 Avro Vulcan XM612 arrived at the museum.
1985 Museum site moved adjacent to Norwich Airport. Handley Page Herald G-ASKK arrived at the museum and Avro Anson TX228 damaged beyond economical repair as a result of a severe storm.
1986 Visitors numbers exceed 20,000 for the first time and Lockheed T-33 (16718) arrives at the museum.
1994 Sea Vixen XP919 departs the museum.
1995 Gloster Meteor F.8 WK654 and Hawker Hunter E-409 arrive at the museum.
1996 The City of Norwich Aviation Museum becomes an accredited museum – the first museum of it’s type.
2000 Fokker F27 G-BHMY arrives at the museum after the Norwich Airport 60th anniversary air show.
2004 Sepecat Jaguar XX109 arrives at the museum.
2005 / 2006 Some elements of the former Coltishall Cockpit Collection joined the museum. This comprises of two Sepecat Jaguars; XX830 & XZ375, Blackburn Buccaneer XN967 and McDonnell-Douglas / BAC Phantom XV426.
2010 Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR.2 XV255 arrives at the museum.
2014 Fokker F27 G-BCDN fuselage arrives at the museum.
2019 Groundworks begin on the museums new multi-function room.
2020 Avro RJ85 E2351 (formerly EI-RJN) arrives via crane to the Museum and the new multi-function room (tea room) opens to visitors.
2021 Piper PA30 Comanche N30NW arrives at the museum.
2022 The museum obtains planning permission to erect a modern exhibition hall and large polytunnel, totaling 430m2 of new exhibition space. In addition, the museum adds deHavilland Vampire XD434 to it’s collection.
2023 The remainder of Fenland and West Norfolk Aviation Museum’s collection arrive on site for display inside it’s new exhibition hall, named ‘Fenland Hall’.
2024 Fenland Hall opens to the public and the museum secures additional land and a new long term lease.
Volunteering With Us
At the City of Norwich Aviation Museum; we are committed to recording and preserving Norfolk’s Rich Aviation Heritage.
The museum is reliant on the support of a dedicated team of volunteers, and without these people our continued existence would be impossible. As a growing organisation, we are always looking to welcome new, enthusiastic and hands on volunteers. There are several areas a volunteer can support us, and they aren’t always obvious!
Our volunteers come from all backgrounds and walks of life, and are always on hand to offer assistance or teach new skills. The museum provides a welcoming, open and inclusive atmosphere and as such will always aim to get new volunteers involved, whatever their knowledge or practical skills.
If you feel as though you can be part of our amazing Volunteer team, please take a look at our membership terms and membership form.
As a volunteer, you are registering to become a member of the City of Norwich Aviation Museum. If you are unable to commit to volunteering at the museum and visit regularly; we would recommend looking at our annual passes.
To contact our membership secretary, please e-mail us here.
As a volunteer you can choose where to be involved or ask where assistance is needed; some of the areas always requiring involvement are listed below.
Visitors : Assist with the running of the museum by showing visitors in our open aircraft, being front of house in our reception area or by helping behind the counter in our ‘Friendship Tearoom’.
Archiving & Research: Discover something new in the form of archiving duties; auditing, researching, updating and maintaining items for future generations.
Museum Grounds: Keeping the museum grounds in good condition for our visitors in the form of grass cutting, gardening and accessibility.
Publicity & Events: Organise, plan and promote the museum and its events including helping out on our fundraising stall and teaching visitors about our aircraft and local history.
Aircraft Restoration & Maintenance: Restoring and maintaining our varied aircraft selection. Learn new hand skills such as metalwork, woodwork, painting and assembly of aircraft and their components.
Displays:Creating new, interactive and interesting displays along with regularly updating older ones.
Buildings: Assist with keeping our buildings in good condition for visitors by carrying out repairs, general day to day tidiness and offering ideas for expansion.
