A captivating new exhibition has opened at The Shops at Kenilworth in Towson, showcasing the rich history of Martin State Airport in Middle River through an impressive array of model airplanes and various aviation artifacts distributed throughout the mall.
Titled “Flights in Full Bloom,” this exhibition is available for viewing until June, in collaboration with The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum.
Greenberg Gibbons, the developer responsible for The Shops at Kenilworth, made the announcement on Tuesday regarding this extensive display that occupies both the upper and lower levels of the mall.
“Flights in Full Bloom offers a distinctive, immersive experience for aviation enthusiasts at The Shops at Kenilworth, allowing guests to explore important local history while enjoying shopping and dining this spring,” stated Alicyn Emerick, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Greenberg Gibbons. “Our partnership with The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum allows us to proudly share the region’s aviation narrative with the greater Baltimore community.”
A thematic window installation showcased on the upper level of the mall features artwork inspired by aviation and aerospace. Additionally, historic artifacts, including aircraft propellers, a World War II bomber jacket, pilot uniforms, and a selection of other significant memorabilia from the museum, draw attention to the rich history of flight.
Visitors are invited to gaze upwards to see large-scale model airplanes gracefully suspended in the central atrium and along the corridor leading to Trader Joe’s. Among these models are aircraft from World War II, designed and built by The Glenn L. Martin Company right here in Maryland.
“Events like Flights in Full Bloom enable us to promote the region’s aviation heritage beyond the confines of our museum, introducing new audiences to the incredible legacy of Martin State Airport and The Glenn L. Martin Company,” remarked Aaron Loux, Chief of Collections at the museum. “We aim to ignite curiosity about the individuals, innovations, and aircraft that have contributed to aviation history in Maryland.”
The exhibition is strategically timed to precede the Sail250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore, which is set to take place from June 24 to June 30. This event will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, highlighting the region’s maritime and aviation achievements.
Established in 1990, the nonprofit Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum emphasizes the contributions of aviation pioneer Glenn L. Martin and the aircraft his company produced in Maryland throughout the 20th century. The museum is poised for expansion as it moves to a new site at the Maryland Aerospace Heritage Center, also located in Middle River.
