FORT WORTH, Texas - Imagine, dining and dancing under the wings of a 1934-vintage DC-3 airliner as live Big Band orchestra music flows from above. Or visualize bidding on an auction item while resting in a first-class passenger seat from a Boeing 767. Or think about taking the controls of a flight simulator during a break from a business meeting. Far from fantasy, these memorable activities, and more, occur regularly at a very special place right in the middle of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex - the American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum.

The C. R. Smith Museum is host to many special events and corporate gatherings year-round, in addition to its main function as a world-famous aviation museum.

“This hidden treasure is perfect for almost any event of almost any size, from 20 to 500 people,” said Gloria Randles, museum administrator. “The C. R. Smith Museum is such a great location for special events, because it is very versatile. It can be set up in so many ways. You can do almost anything and at attractive rates.”

Casino parties, wedding receptions, holiday parties, seated dinners, silent auctions, awards ceremonies, corporate meetings, anniversaries, birthday parties and seminars are a few of the possibilities to which the 35,000-square foot facility regularly lends itself.

A 105-seat stadium theater with rows of first-class Boeing 767 leather seats, an adaptable movie screen, a stage and audio-visual equipment are just a few of the amenities available. These elements, along with the museum’s hands-on exhibits and a fully enclosed “hangar” housing the historic Douglas DC-3 Flagship Knoxville, add intrigue and interest sure to captivate any audience.

The museum is available for special event rentals during times that it is not open to the general public. Starting in January, the museum will be available for after-hour reservations from 7:30 a.m. to midnight, Sunday through Wednesday, and during the current morning and evening hours of 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to midnight, Thursday through Saturday.

Groups reserving the site may bring in outside catering, and the museum has representatives on-site for the duration of the event. Museum staff can also recommend excellent local caterers and other vendors to meet any need.

Proceeds generated from facility rentals are used to fund the museum’s programs. To book or determine availability, contact Gloria Randles at 817-967-5910. Additional information about the C. R. Smith Museum is available online at www.crsmithmuseum.org.

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