Vecihi Hürkuş Aviation Park & Museum

Vecihi Hürkuş Aviation Park & Museum

Eskişehir | Tepebaşı

Located within the central boundaries of Tepebaşı District, directly opposite Anadolu University’s Yunus Emre Campus, the Vecihi Hürkuş Aviation Park is one of Türkiye’s most distinctive open-air museums dedicated to aviation history. Originally opened to visitors in 1998 as an open-air exhibition, the museum showcases a rich collection of civilian and military aircraft in a spacious outdoor setting. The project was initially developed through the restoration of aircraft belonging primarily to the 1st Air Supply and Maintenance Command, preserving important examples of Turkish aviation heritage.

From Eskişehir Air Museum to Vecihi Hürkuş Aviation Park

Formerly known as the Eskişehir Air Museum, the museum’s management was officially transferred to Anadolu University on 24 September 2011. In 2020, following a public vote, the park was renamed Vecihi Hürkuş Aviation Park, honoring Türkiye’s pioneering aviator. Today, the park operates under the responsibility of the Tepebaşı Municipality.

Open-Air & Indoor Exhibitions

Spanning an impressive 39,000 m², the park functions primarily as an open-air aviation museum. Visitors can see a wide variety of civil and military aircraft, as well as a police helicopter, displayed across the grounds.

The indoor exhibition area complements the outdoor collection and features:

• Pilot uniforms
• Aviation badges and insignia
• Model aircraft
• Aircraft engines

These exhibits provide valuable insight into the technical, historical, and human aspects of aviation.

Preservation & Adaptive Use

One of the museum’s most distinctive exhibits, a C-47 cargo aircraft, was previously converted into a café. Although it now serves as an office space, it remains a notable example of adaptive reuse within the museum.
Aircraft that have been on display for over 20 years are regularly restored and maintained to ensure their long-term preservation.

Vecihi Hürkuş Aviation Park offers a unique experience for aviation enthusiasts, families, and visitors of all ages, combining education, history, and open-air exploration. Its central location and proximity to Anadolu University make it an essential stop when visiting Eskişehir.