The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that future generations will know the price of freedom, and be inspired by what they learn. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America's National WWII Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front.
The museum has been named by USA Today as the #1 Best Place to Learn U.S. Military History, and designated by Congress as America’s official museum about World War II. Just recently, the museum received 2016 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ awards for museums, ranking No.4 in the nation and No.11 in the world! The National WWII Museum is also the No. 1 attraction in New Orleans for the fourth consecutive year.
Why New Orleans? Higgins' Boats!
Currently housed in three buildings, each arranged around central themes of the war, Museum exhibits offer visitors an opportunity to experience the war through the eyes of the men and women who lived it. Interactives, oral histories and personal vignettes add a meaningful perspective. From D-Day galleries to the 4D cinematic experience, Beyond All Boundaries, from the soaring US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center to the groundbreaking Campaigns of Courage, this world-renowned history museum is designed to inspire visitors of all ages in the lessons of World War II and the stories of heroism, tragedy, and liberation.
Note about visiting with children: The remarkable exhibits in the Campaigns of Courage exhibit (Road to Berlin and Road to Tokyo) are very graphic, featuring video and images from the Holocaust, the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and more. It's something to consider if you have very young children. There's so much to see at the museum, however, that if you're concerned, you'll be able to stay plenty busy in the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion (make sure to start your visit with a "ride" on the Train Car) and The US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center.
Like planes and military vehicles? The US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center has it all
However if you're afraid of heights, you might not want to venture to the top!
I encourage you to visit the museum's website HERE. Even if you can't visit soon in person, there's a ton of information available on the site for interested kids (and adults), including videos and games in the Kids Corner. There's also a new Mobile App to help you plan your visit, or just engage with the museum from home. Get info on the App HERE.
RECENTLY IN THE NEWS: Restored PT-305 Returns to Lake Pontchartrain
Currently housed in three buildings, each arranged around central themes of the war, Museum exhibits offer visitors an opportunity to experience the war through the eyes of the men and women who lived it. Interactives, oral histories and personal vignettes add a meaningful perspective. From D-Day galleries to the 4D cinematic experience, Beyond All Boundaries, from the soaring US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center to the groundbreaking Campaigns of Courage, this world-renowned history museum is designed to inspire visitors of all ages in the lessons of World War II and the stories of heroism, tragedy, and liberation.
Note about visiting with children: The remarkable exhibits in the Campaigns of Courage exhibit (Road to Berlin and Road to Tokyo) are very graphic, featuring video and images from the Holocaust, the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and more. It's something to consider if you have very young children. There's so much to see at the museum, however, that if you're concerned, you'll be able to stay plenty busy in the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion (make sure to start your visit with a "ride" on the Train Car) and The US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center.
Like planes and military vehicles? The US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center has it all
However if you're afraid of heights, you might not want to venture to the top!
I encourage you to visit the museum's website HERE. Even if you can't visit soon in person, there's a ton of information available on the site for interested kids (and adults), including videos and games in the Kids Corner. There's also a new Mobile App to help you plan your visit, or just engage with the museum from home. Get info on the App HERE.
RECENTLY IN THE NEWS: Restored PT-305 Returns to Lake Pontchartrain
Photo Courtesy of The National WWII Museum
In the spring of 2016, The National WWII Museum announced plans to return restored patrol-torpedo (PT) boat PT-305 to her home waters of Lake Pontchartrain, where she was originally tested by Higgins Industries more than 70 years ago. The recent transfer of PT-305 to water is the culmination of the Museum's decade-long effort to restore her, over $3.3 million worth of in-kind and monetary donations, as well as more than 100,000 hours of work from a dedicated corps of over 200 volunteers. And NOW PT-305 is ready to welcome visitors onto the very deck where members of the US Navy stood to attack Axis supply ships and troop transports, speeding over the waves just as PT-305's crew did in the Mediterranean during the war. See how you can book a tour HERE. Unfortunately children under 12 are not allowed on the boat.
VISIT THE MUSEUM:
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*I received complimentary admission tickets to the museum in exchange for this write-up. Opinions are entirely my own.
In the spring of 2016, The National WWII Museum announced plans to return restored patrol-torpedo (PT) boat PT-305 to her home waters of Lake Pontchartrain, where she was originally tested by Higgins Industries more than 70 years ago. The recent transfer of PT-305 to water is the culmination of the Museum's decade-long effort to restore her, over $3.3 million worth of in-kind and monetary donations, as well as more than 100,000 hours of work from a dedicated corps of over 200 volunteers. And NOW PT-305 is ready to welcome visitors onto the very deck where members of the US Navy stood to attack Axis supply ships and troop transports, speeding over the waves just as PT-305's crew did in the Mediterranean during the war. See how you can book a tour HERE. Unfortunately children under 12 are not allowed on the boat.
VISIT THE MUSEUM:
The National WWII Museum
945 Magazine Street
LIKE THIS ARTICLE? SIGN UP FOR SVM MACARONI KID!! To stay in the KNOW - Sign up for our Free weekly newsletter HERE! Each week, you will receive fresh new ideas of family-friendly events in/around Smyrna, Vinings, Marietta and beyond*I received complimentary admission tickets to the museum in exchange for this write-up. Opinions are entirely my own.
