Apollo:

When We Went to the Moon

Exhibit at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation®

  • February 19, 2022 - May 8, 2022
  • Time: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Location: The Gallery by General Motors

Free for members or with museum admission.

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Apollo: When We Went to the Moon

Launch yourself behind-the-scenes for man’s first steps on the moon, and find out how the space race inspired generations of Americans to reach for the stars. Apollo: When We Went to the Moon is an out-of-this-world glimpse into the cultural, technological and political context of the moon landing, touching down at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

From astronomical engineering advancements to the hottest moments of the Cold War, over 100 objects and artifacts from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center show us an extraordinary transformation from competition to collaboration. Detailed scale models of the lunar rover and Sputnik, plus spacesuits — including the iconic Apollo bubble helmet — lunar maps, and a soviet training simulator blast you into the center of space exploration.

Take small steps on the moon’s surface and giant leaps through actual pieces of the Apollo 11 lunar module. Count down at the command module, take off from an immersive launch experience and defy gravity for a photo in the lunar rover.

For over fifty years, Apollo 11 has been a symbol of our desire to do something no one has ever done before. Suit up for the best of technology and exploration through the eyes of the engineers and the boots of the astronauts who continue to rocket us forward.


Your Experience Includes:

  • Over 100 objects and artifacts from the archives of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
  • Real pieces of the Apollo 11 lunar module, plus artifacts from subsequent Apollo missions
  • Detailed scale models of the Apollo command module, the lunar rover and Sputnik
  • Authentic uniforms, spacesuits, and lunar maps
  • Soviet module training simulator
  • Immersive launch experience
  • Lunar rover photo opportunity

Featured Programs and Guests:

March 5 and 6
11:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m.
Apollo Moon Rock Display

Be a part of NASA's continuing exploration by viewing real samples of lunar rocks collected during the Apollo missions, as well as meteorites. These samples provide space scientists with a unique look at the formation of our solar system.
March 7-18
Henry Ford Academy Space Exploration Posters Display

View research posters from Henry Ford Academy's 9th Grade Earth Science class on the history of space flight. Topics include astronauts like Buzz Aldrin and Mae Jemison, mathematicians like Katherine Johnson and Mary Jackson, and programs of the space race, such as Sputnik I and II and the Apollo missions.
March 19
Noon – 2 p.m.
Tilted Axes: Moonwalk

Award winning composer/performer Patrick Grant celebrates the Apollo exhibition with his piece Moonwalk. Tilted Axes Detroit brings together 18 electric guitarists and 3 percussionists performing new music that celebrates the ongoing spirit of innovation. The original works will be performed on a procession throughout the museum culminating in front of the Saturn V rocket in front of Apollo: When We Went to the Moon.
April 23
1:00 - 1:15 p.m.
Mahogany Jones Performance

Join us for a 15-minute pop-up performance of inspirational hip-hop music by artist Mahogany Jones.
April 24
3-5 p.m.
Space-Themed Program for Teens and Young Adults with Autism

This space-themed program is designed for individuals ages 12-25+ who are on the autism spectrum or have sensory processing disorder and their family members/caregivers. It will include a visit to the Apollo exhibition, along with a space-themed craft and other related activities. We will also be watching the film called "Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit" in a sensory-friendly (lights up, sound down) environment at the Giant Screen Experience. Space is limited and registration is required.


Become a Member and Save

Become a member for free admission to Apollo: When We Went to the Moon. Then use your membership for a full year of free admission to the museum and village, plus free parking and exclusive savings on ticketed events.

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A touring exhibition co-produced by


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