The MiG-21 project, on exhibit now through January 26th, features a decommissioned Cold War-era Soviet MiG-21 fighter jet transformed into a work of art. The entire plane, including the cockpit, is covered in millions of bright glass beads in dazzling designs. The transformation took five years of collaboration between the artist, South African Ralph Ziman, his team in East Los Angeles, and beadwork artisans in South Africa. Though the plane is the highlight, there is much more to see.
About the MiG-21 Exhibit
The beaded fighter is the culmination of a 12-year project called the Weapons of Mass Production Trilogy. It examines the effects of the arms trade and the continued militarization of police around the globe. The aim is to turn weapons of violence and war into beautiful art, inspiring conversation and reflection.
The exhibit is staged in the Special Exhibits Gallery and the Aviation Pavilion. In the three rooms of the Special Exhibits Gallery, you will see art and photos from the first two parts of the Weapons of Mass Production Trilogy: The AK-47 Project and The Casspir Project, along with interactive displays that kids will love.
The centerpiece of the MiG-21 exhibit: a Soviet-era fighter jet transformed into shimmering art. (Image courtesy The MiG-21 Project)
Ralph Ziman: Art and Activation
The artist, Ralph Ziman, grew up in South Africa under Apartheid and draws inspiration from his lived experience. Beads were chosen as a medium because glass beadwork has been an expression of cultural identity in Africa for hundreds of years. Ziman wanted to elevate beadwork to its deserved status, resulting in a unique collaboration across two continents.
Even the rear stabilizer is covered in thousands of beads — no detail was overlooked. (Photo courtesy The Museum of Flight)
What to Expect at the Special Exhibits Gallery
As soon as you enter the Special Exhibits Gallery, the first display case has a panel of beadwork on the front, at kid height, with a sign that says to “please touch.” Running your fingers along the tiny beads and seeing these up close aids in understanding the enormity of the bead artisans’ skills. Next, you will find the first part of the trilogy, The AK 47 Project, featuring replicas of these weapons made entirely from beads and wire, along with photos of Africans posing with the art in place of the real thing.
The second part of the trilogy, The Casspir Project, is an 11-ton Apartheid-era Casspir armored police vehicle covered in hand-beaded panels. The vehicle itself isn’t on display, but there are staged photos of the beaded vehicle taken with residents in Soweto, South Africa, where a 1976 uprising against Apartheid occurred. The next room features mannequins wearing elaborately designed Afro futuristic pilot and flight crew costumes derived from traditional African patterns, which are cool and fun to look at. There is also information about the beadwork artisans in South Africa.
Zoom in on the craftsmanship: intricate patterns created by beadwork artisans in South Africa and East L.A. (Photo courtesy The Museum of Flight)
Interactive Fun for Kids
The last area offers fun interactives for kids. There are several touchscreens on which they can draw /decorate an image of a fighter jet and, when finished, their plane is shown “flying” on a screen, both in this exhibit and along the Skyway.
There is also a table with cards and drawing materials for kids to answer the question: “How can art change your world?” A documentary film on a large screen details how the project evolved and includes interviews with some of the beadwork artisans and others who worked on the project. The film was informative and entertaining; I highly recommend that the adults and older kids watch it; you could do this while younger children color a plane. On the way out, there is another table with cards for writing notes to the artists, which is fun for both kids and adults.
At the interactive station, kids can design their own jet — then watch it “fly” across the screen. (Image: Godfrey Guerzon)
The Beaded MiG-21 in the Aviation Pavilion
Next, head over to the Aviation Pavilion by crossing the skybridge and walking through the Space Center. The MiG-21 is at the back. Once you’ve taken in the enormity of the beaded fighter, be sure to use the QR code on the information plaque to look at the elaborately decorated cockpit in 360 degrees. Fun fact: the MiG-21 has 18 silhouettes of the African continent on its design. Some are hard to find, but this might be a fun challenge to try to find them.
The star of the show: Ralph Ziman’s beaded MiG-21, a striking fusion of art, activism, and craftsmanship. (Photo courtesy The Museum of Flight)
Is This Exhibit Kid-Friendly?
When I first read about this exhibit, I assumed the material would be too disturbing for younger kids. But even though you can read about the historical context of how these weapons were used during Apartheid and around the world throughout the exhibit, there are no graphic or bloody images of war in the display. (And parents can choose what information to share with younger kids.) There are, however, photographs of weapons of war and a lot about the history of their manufacture and use around the globe. The AK-47s displayed are not the actual guns, but art imitating these weapons made of wire and beads, and the beaded Casspir is shown only in photographs.
That being said, the museum offers the following 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.
Up close and curious. (Photo courtesy The Museum of Flight)
I spoke to several parents who brought kids aged 6-9. None of the parents said that their kids were disturbed by the content, and loved the exhibit’s bright colors and interactive parts. If older kids and teens want to learn more, this could offer an opportunity to discuss these themes of war, oppression, social justice, and the power of art and creativity. I felt uplifted and hopeful after viewing the exhibits, despite the dark history of Apartheid. The way the artists turned weapons of war into things of beauty was awe-inspiring.
Tips for Visiting the Museum of Flight
- Museum of Flight: 9404 East Marginal Way S. Seattle 98108
- Dates and Times: Open daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- This exhibit runs through January 26, 2026
- Cost: Ages 4 and under, Free; 5-17 $21; 18+ $29; 65+ $25; Tickets can be purchased online
- Parking: Free
- Food: Visitors may bring food or purchase it at the Wing Cafe
- The entire exhibit is stroller-friendly
- Be sure to go to the Red Barn first. Not only does it help to see the trilogy’s evolution, but once you get the kids into the Aviation Pavilion, it will be hard to get them back out.
- If you are intrigued by African beadwork, the gift shop sells various small beaded objects.
- If you want to delve further into the history of Apartheid, here are two resources: https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/apartheid/352764, and “The Color of Friendship”- a kid-friendly movie that explains Apartheid. It is available on Amazon Prime, Disney+, and YouTube.
