‘The Red Baron’ art exhibit coming to Topeka’s Combat Air Museum

TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Combat Air Museum is set to host the premier of 80 paintings tied to a famous WWI German ace pilot next month.

The museum announced on July 28 in a press release that it will show off the 80 paintings starting on Aug. 5, 2025. The paintings come courtesy of Thomas La Padula and depict the aerial victories of the WWI German ace pilot Baron Manfred von Richtofen.

Richtofen is considered the leading ace of the war, credited with downing at least 80 enemy planes between 1916 and 1918. He earned the name “The Red Baron” after he had painted his Albatros aircraft a bright red.

La Padula is a member of The American Society of Aviation Artists and one of the foremost aviation illustrators, according to the museum. His upcoming book, “The Red Baron’s Kills,” exemplifies his commitment to the history of aviation and war along with his skill as both a historian and a painter.

“Richtofen’s 80 Victories Illustrated,” will run from Aug. 5, 2025, to May 25, 2026. La Padula will arrive at the Combat Air Museum later this week. You can find more out about the exhibit and museum here.

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