EL RENO, Okla. –
The Caldwell Collection is preparing to open its hangar doors—literally—offering a rare glimpse into the golden age of flight, its founder said last week.
“I’ve been in love with airplanes probably since I was a kid – little bitty kid. I loved to hang out at the airport. I loved to watch them fly,” said aviation enthusiast and museum founder Tony Caldwell.
He said he felt inspired by aircrafts.
“I still am. Every time these hangar doors roll back, I look at these beautiful works of art and I’m just overcome with awe at the talent, risk-taking, ingenuity of the men and women who built them.”
The collection, which is housed in a 30,000 square foot hangar, is packed with vintage planes, an aircraft restoration shop, a cafe and a library. There are so many exhibits, that Caldwell said he has already run out of room.
“We’ve added 15 aircraft just this year, and now that we’re a nonprofit, people are offering us airplanes. We have nowhere to put them. We’re completely full,” Caldwell explained.
He added that plans are in the works to expand.
“The city of El Reno has been discussing with me taking another one of these 1943 hangars, moving it across the road, and having an annex for the museum. I suspect that will probably happen in the next 12 months.”
As opening day nears, Caldwell said he has to put on the finishing touches.
“We have four airplanes that we have to put together. We’ve got a lot of small touches. We have to hang a lot of artwork and exhibits. Then our wonderful contractors are still here doing last minute things to finish up,” he shared, adding that the museum still needs electricity.
The Caldwell Collection’s ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on the morning of October 4th for El Reno Airport’s 6th Annual Fly-In and Community Day. The event is free to the public.
If you can’t make it to opening day, Caldwell said anyone can book an appointment to see the museum for free year-round.
