The MiG-21 Project

The Museum of Flight’s dazzling new exhibit is the world premiere of The MiG-21 Project, South
African artist Ralph Ziman’s 5-year, multidisciplinary project transforming a decommissioned
Cold War-era, Soviet-designed MiG-21 fighter jet into a stunning work of art entirely covered in
tens of millions of colorful glass beads.

"The reclaimed jet turns an icon of violence into a symbol of resilience and collaboration. “The
aim of The MiG-21 Project,” said Ziman, “is to take the most mass-produced supersonic fighter
aircraft and to turn it from a machine of war into something that looks beautiful, changes the
meaning of it.”

The experience includes original artwork, Afrofuturistic flight suits designed and crafted by the
artist and his team, large scale photographs, videos, and interactives. New materials from The
Museum of Flight detail the history of the MiG-21 aircraft, the Cold War, and how other military
aircraft have been repurposed for civilian duties.

The exhibit graphically takes you through the evolution of The MiG-21 Project, which is the
concluding artwork in Ralph Ziman’s 12-year Weapons of Mass Production Trilogy. The Trilogy
addresses the impact of the arms trade on global conflicts and the continued militarization of
police forces around the world. The project blends history, social awareness, cultural
appreciation and the healing power of creativity by celebrating the rich tradition of Southern
African beadwork, so richly displayed in The MiG-21 Project.

The reclaimed MiG-21 jet is staged in the Museum’s Aviation Pavilion, and three rooms of the
Museum’s Special Exhibits Gallery have been transformed to visualize the depth of The MiG-21
Project and the Weapons of Mass Production Trilogy.

The MiG-21 Project is now open through January 26, 2026.
Access to the Exhibit is included with your TeenTix admission.

Disclaimer: Ralph Ziman’s art is motivated by social responsibility. His work comments on serious issues such as
human rights, life under Apartheid, and the arms trade. Please be advised that themes displayed in this exhibit are sensitive in nature and may be upsetting to certain audiences.