Grand Central Air Terminal Museum, Glendale

About Grand Central Air Terminal Museum

Grand Central Air Terminal Museum in Glendale preserves Southern California's aviation heritage through its restored 1930 Art Deco and Spanish Colonial Revival building, designed by architect Henry L. Gogerty. As Los Angeles' first commercial airport, the terminal was the birthplace of commercial air travel in the region and played a significant role in American Airlines' establishment. Visitors encounter exhibits about legendary aviators including Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes who used the facility. The building appeared in the 1934 film Bright Eyes, starring Shirley Temple. During World War II, the terminal served as a training center for pilots and mechanics. Geographic constraints prevented accommodation of larger aircraft, leading to the airport's closure in 1959. The museum demonstrates historic preservation through adaptive reuse, showcasing how the terminal transformed into a cultural institution documenting aviation's regional importance.