Celebrate The MiG-21 Project’s final weekend at The Museum of Flight with two days of art-themed, hands-on activities!
Meet the artists behind the project in a live panel and Q&A where artist Ralph Ziman, and his creative team, will illuminate the often unseen and lesser-known efforts behind the project, including the formidable logistical challenge of relocating a 51-foot fighter jet and the humanitarian initiatives that support the beadwork artisans and their communities.
And for the first time during the exhibit's run, the cockpit of the MiG-21 will be open to the public for tours! See the inside of the jet, where the beadwork from the outside of the plane is met with designs inspired by the lowrider culture of East LA, where the artists' studio is located.
You'll also have opportunities to create beaded crafts, enjoy live drum performances and more.
And don't miss out on an exclusive pop-up shop in the Red Barn featuring handcrafted jewelry by the artisans in South Africa. This unique collection accompanies The MiG-21 Project and highlights the artistry inspired by culture, history, and craftsmanship. This pop-up is in collaboration with DTCare and representatives from the organization will be on hand to share about what they do and how they were involved with The MiG-21 Project.
Making the Impossible Seem Effortless: Live Panel and Q&A
Using the documentary as a jumping off point, the panel will illuminate the often unseen and lesser-known efforts behind the project, including the formidable logistical challenge of relocating a 51-foot fighter jet and the humanitarian initiatives that support the beadwork artisans and their communities. The conversation highlights how large-scale engineering, cultural preservation, and social responsibility converge within the project.
Panelists | ||
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Ralph Ziman South African Artist & Filmmaker | ||
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Max Ziman Production & Logistics Coordinator for Ralph Ziman | Judith Thompson Program Manager- Sub-Saharan Africa, DTCare | |
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Owen Meier Logistics Specialist, DTCare/ DTGruelle | Vinka Benčić Managing Director, Care Studios | |
See the full weekend schedule below, we'll see you there!
Event Details
Date: Saturday and Sunday, January 24 and 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
All activities are FREE to Museum Members and included with General Admission.
Schedule
Saturday, January 24
All-day - Family Activities
Location: Alaska Airlines Aerospace Education Center
Engage in family workshops and activities based upon the colorful African beadwork covering the MiG-21 jet.
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Cockpit Tours
Location: Aviation Pavilion
See the inside of the MiG-21 cockpit!
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Make Beaded Artwork
Location: T.A. Wilson Great Gallery
Make your own beaded artwork with Blue Dot Beadwork (while supplies last).
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM - Drum Performance
Location: T.A. Wilson Great Gallery
Enjoy a live drum performance and open drum circle by the Seattle Hand Drummers!
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM - Making the Impossible Seem Effortless: Logistics, Craft, and Community behind The MiG-21 Project
Location: William M. Allen Theater
Watch a short film about The MiG-21 Project, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A with Ralph Ziman and the team behind the project's humanitarian mission.
Sunday, January 25
All-day - Family Activities
Location: Alaska Airlines Aerospace Education Center
Engage in family workshops and activities based upon the colorful African beadwork covering the MiG-21 jet.
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Cockpit Tours
Location: Aviation Pavilion
See the inside of the MiG-21 cockpit!
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM - Drum Performance
Location: T.A. Wilson Great Gallery
Enjoy a live drum performance and open drum circle by the Seattle Hand Drummers!
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