The National WWII Museum
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The National WWII Museum is situated in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. Previously, it was known as The National D-Day Museum. This museum, dedicated to military history, graces the Central Business District and offers insights into the events of World War II.
The National WWII Museum's mission is to recount the American journey during the transformative global conflict. It illuminates its reasons, the strategies that led to victory, and its enduring relevance for today's generations. The exhibits aim to ensure that every generation understands the sacrifices for freedom and finds inspiration through the knowledge acquired.
How to Get There
The National WWII Museum is centrally situated in New Orleans, Louisiana. Louis Armstrong Airport is 15 miles west of downtown New Orleans. Various transportation options are available in the city, such as hotel shuttles, taxis, and rideshares like Uber and Lyft.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to The National WWII Museum
Visit The National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum offers a captivating blend of history and personal stories. It brings the global WWII narrative to life with immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, artifacts, and oral testimonies. Beyond its galleries, it provides online collections, virtual trips, webinars, educational travel, and an International Conference on WWII, helping patrons connect with and honor the sacrifices of that era.
The best times to visit New Orleans are late autumn from October to November and early spring, around March and April. During these seasons, you can enjoy reasonably pleasant weather and avoid the larger crowds. If possible, plan your visit for a weekday, preferably in the middle of the week, excluding the Mardi Gras festivities.
Ticket Information
Tickets are offered in 15-minute time slots. Purchasing timed admission tickets online for your preferred time slot is advisable to ensure your visit. Please be aware that the Museum closes promptly at 5 p.m. Therefore, if you make reservations for a time slot after 3 p.m., you'll get a shortened visit.
All ticket sales are non-refundable, and tickets are only valid for the date and time slot they are assigned to. Operating hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Note that the museum is closed on Mardi Gras Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Ticket costs are $32 for adults and $27.50 for seniors aged 65 years and older. Children below 12 years old pay $20, as well as students with ID, military with ID, and disabled guests. Some exhibits have an additional cost. Tickets to Final Mission are $7, while Expressions of America charges between $15 and $79. However, visits are always free for all World War II veterans.
Family-Friendly Options
The National WWII Museum is a family-friendly destination, not just for history buffs, offering activities for all ages. Dive into live entertainment, engage in interactive experiences with local groups, meet Medal of Honor Recipients, and more.
The Solomon Victory Theater features compelling documentaries, while the Stage Door Canteen offers live performances for added entertainment. Don't forget the Founders Plaza, perfect for a picnic and reflection. With its diverse offerings, the National WWII Museum promises an enlightening and enjoyable outing for the entire family. The facilities include changing stations in most family restrooms.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
You should buy your tickets online to skip the lines for a seamless museum visit. Start with the informative film "Beyond All Boundaries," offering an American perspective on the war. It's great for those new to the topic and enhances your visit. Exploring the museum fully takes about four to five hours, but you can still see many of the exhibits in just an hour or two.
Don't miss viewing the restored military vehicles and the B17 bomber, which has an interactive exhibit on wartime decisions, engaging for all ages. Don't skip the mock train ride in the first pavilion, which recreates the journey to the battlefield. Lastly, visit the museum's gift shops for souvenirs to remember your visit.
The National WWII Museum Accommodations
On Site Accommodations
Although there are no on-site accommodations, The Higgins Hotel is the official hotel of the museum and is located just across the street. It’s just two blocks from Lee Circle and a short walk to the Waterfront, Canal Street, and the lively French Quarter.
Campgrounds Nearby
French Quarter RV Resort offers RV camping in New Orleans. This RV park is gated, and it features a large hot tub. It also includes a French Quarter-style courtyard, and it is within walking distance of attractions like the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum.
Pelican RV Park is right off Interstate 10. The property is close to downtown New Orleans, and the park features a security gate. It is the oldest campground in New Orleans, and it offers free Wi-Fi.
What this place lacks in facilities it makes up for in prime location and unbeatable prices. Just a short drive from the French Quarter, you can easily take public transport only two stops to Canal Street. The buses in this area run every 30 minutes until midnight, and if you stay out later than that, a cab ride is very affordable.
Activities Near The National WWII Museum
Things to Do
Geocaching
There are several geocaches hidden around New Orleans, including some in the areas near the museum. Visitors can use GPS to find hidden containers and explore the city's history and culture while wandering its streets.
Nature Watching
While the museum is situated in a vibrant urban setting, pockets of natural beauty are nearby. You can engage in nature watching by visiting nearby parks, such as City Park or Audubon Park. These green spaces allow for observing local wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and various plant species.
Boating
The Mississippi River flows through New Orleans, and boating is popular in the area. You can take a scenic riverboat cruise along the Mississippi, which offers beautiful views of the city's skyline and historic sites.
Hiking
Although New Orleans is known for its flat terrain, there are still opportunities for hiking in nearby nature reserves and bayous. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, close to the city, offers hiking trails through swamps and marshes.
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
Seasonal weather patterns can significantly impact visiting The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. The museum offers an immersive experience that spans indoor and outdoor exhibits. Visiting in mild fall or spring is ideal for comfortable outdoor exploration and enjoying the Victory Pavilion's picturesque views.
Yet, summer's heat and humidity can challenge outdoor activities, and occasional heavy rains can dampen the experience. However, the indoor exhibits offer shelter in winter, making it appealing to history buffs all year. Choosing the right season ensures a memorable and comfortable trip to this iconic museum.
When visiting The National WWII Museum, be prepared for varied weather. New Orleans can be hot and humid or chilly and rainy. Pack light clothing, comfortable shoes, and a rain jacket. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat for sunny days, and an umbrella for unexpected showers.
Safety & Accessibility
The National WWII Museum is committed to accessibility, ensuring equal access to galleries, exhibits, pavilions, and programs for all visitors. Tours for blind and low-vision guests are available upon request, subject to docent availability. Please provide at least one week's notice for tour arrangements. For guests with mobility challenges, manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis and there is accessible parking in the museum garage. An aide assisting a wheelchair guest gets complimentary admission.
Conclusion
The National WWII Museum Travel Guide offers an immersive journey through one of history's defining moments. With its captivating exhibits and WWII focus, the museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts. It stands out as a poignant tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who lived through this pivotal period.
FAQ
Yes. There are more than 10 camping sites around The National WWII Museum, including French Quarter RV Resort and Three Oaks and a Pine among others.
No. RVs cannot park in the museum's garage, so you'll have to make alternative arrangements.
The museum offers wheelchair accessibility for all visitors. Additionally, there are discounted admission rates for children, seniors, students, and military personnel and complimentary entry for WWII veterans. Due to the museum's vastness, it's wise to plan your visit by choosing specific exhibits beforehand to enhance your experience.
The National WWII Museum provides various family-friendly activities to educate, inform, and entertain visitors.
No. Pets are not allowed at the museum, though service animals are always welcome.