The Museum of AIR: Aviation Innovation and Remembrance

Kathmandu University

Project idea

Aviation in Nepal began with a historic milestone on February 20, 1949, when a Douglas DC-3 Dakota aircraft landed at Gauchar Airport (now Tribhuvan International Airport) in Kathmandu. This event marked a transformative shift in the country’s connectivity and development. Before this, Nepal relied on traditional forms of transport such as foot trails and mule caravans, which limited internal mobility and external contact. The arrival of air travel significantly reduced travel time, improved access to remote regions, and opened Nepal’s doors to international tourism and economic growth.

Despite aviation’s vital role in shaping modern Nepal, there is no dedicated institution to preserve and celebrate its rich aeronautical history. Many aircraft, artifacts, and records are scattered, unprotected, and at risk of being lost. Furthermore, Nepal lacks a structured platform to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in aviation accidents, denying families and communities a meaningful space for collective remembrance and healing.

The Museum of AIR seeks to address these gaps by serving as a national archive, educational center, and memorial. It will house decommissioned aircraft, aviation artifacts, historical documents, and interactive exhibits that highlight Nepal’s aviation milestones and technological progress. The museum will also feature immersive learning experiences to foster interest in aviation science, engineering, and innovation among students and the general public—especially those who have never experienced flight due to its high cost and inaccessibility.

A central element of the museum will be the Flight Memorial, a solemn space dedicated to commemorating the victims of air crashes in Nepal. This memorial will serve as a place of reflection and remembrance, offering emotional support and historical recognition for affected families and communities.

Ultimately, the Museum of AIR – Aviation Innovation and Remembrance is more than just a museum; it is a visionary platform for cultural preservation, education, innovation, and healing. It will ensure that Nepal’s aviation legacy is not only safeguarded but also celebrated and shared with generations to come.

Project description

The museum will be a comprehensive facility designed to fulfill multiple purposes—historical preservation, public education, technological engagement, and collective remembrance. The scope of the project extends across several key areas:

Historical Preservation and Exhibition
- Collection, restoration, and exhibition of decommissioned aircraft, aviation equipment, and historical artifacts.
- Archiving and documentation of Nepal’s aviation milestones, including photographs, flight logs, personal stories, and significant events.
- Display of information on aviation pioneers, government initiatives, and key developments in Nepalese civil and military aviation.

Education and Public Engagement
- Creation of interactive and immersive exhibits to explain aviation science, flight mechanics, navigation, and airport operations in an engaging way.
- Development of learning zones and activity areas for students, including virtual flight simulators and hands-on workshops.
- Collaboration with schools, colleges, and technical institutions to offer guided tours, lectures, and aviation-focused programs.

Memorial and Remembrance
- Establishment of a dedicated Flight Memorial space to honor the victims of aviation accidents in Nepal.
- Integration of memorial walls, names, and stories of those who lost their lives, providing a space for emotional connection and collective healing.
- Annual remembrance events and exhibitions to keep the memory of aviation tragedies alive and respectfully acknowledged.

Cultural and Tourism Development
- Creation of a national landmark that attracts both domestic and international visitors, contributing to tourism and the local economy.
- Development of a museum shop, café, and viewing decks to enhance visitor experience.
- Integration with surrounding urban fabric through accessible pathways, green spaces, and transport facilities.

Innovation and Inspiration
- Encouragement of interest in aerospace careers and innovation among youth through storytelling, mentorship events, and exhibitions on modern aviation technologies.
- Exhibition of Nepal’s future ambitions in aviation, including sustainable air travel, drone technology, and mountain aviation research.
- Hosting of temporary exhibitions and collaborations with global aviation museums and organizations.

Digital and Archival Infrastructure
- Development of a digital archive and virtual museum experience for remote access and global outreach.
- Use of AR/VR technologies for immersive storytelling and simulation-based learning.
- Documentation and digitization of all historical records to ensure long-term accessibility and preservation.

Through this multi-dimensional approach, the Museum of AIR will not only preserve the past but also educate the present and inspire the future, establishing itself as a vital cultural, educational, and commemorative landmark in Nepal.

Technical information

1. Primary Structural System
Space Truss System:
- A lightweight structural framework used to span large areas without internal columns.
- Positioned below the roof and above the floor deck.
- Likely fabricated from steel for high strength and reduced weight.

2. Roof System
Roof Material:
- Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC)
- A lightweight, durable material used for complex and curved roof forms.
- Used in the segmented, sculptural roof forms shown in the exploded axonometric view.

Skylight Integration:
- Curved skylight elements embedded within the GFRC roof to allow natural light penetration into the space.

3. Floor System
Metal Floor Deck:
- Acts as a formwork for the concrete slab and contributes to the composite action with the concrete.

Concrete Slab Layers:
- Composite slab with layers including:
- Steel deck profile sheet
- Reinforced concrete topping
- Insulation and waterproofing membranes as seen in the layered floor detail.

4. Wall and Column Systems
Brick Wall (Non-load-bearing):
- Encloses the space; acts as a façade or partition but does not carry major structural load.
- Reinforced Concrete Columns and Beams:
- I-section steel beams and RCC beams used to support loads from slabs and trusses.
- RCC beams rest on P.C.C (Plain Cement Concrete) foundation.

Glass Curtain Wall System:
- Extensive use of glazing shown in the renderings, offering transparency and visual connection to the landscape and exhibits.

5. Foundation System
Reinforced Concrete Footing and Beam Foundation:
- Transfers loads from columns and walls to the ground.
- Shown in section with hatchings indicating P.C.C below load-bearing elements.


Ceiling appears to support suspended aircraft models (helicopter, biplane), indicating adequate load-bearing capacity of roof/truss system.