The National WWII Museum

Years in Business: 24 years

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 all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Our beginnings date back to 1989 when University of New Orleans professors Stephen Ambrose and Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller discussed plans for a modest D-Day museum. A decade later, The National D-Day Museum opened on June 6, 2000, with much enthusiasm for the institution to expand to cover the entire war effort, the Home Front, and the war’s lasting impacts. Designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, the Museum has now quadrupled the size of its campus from one exhibit hall to seven pavilions. Beyond the galleries, the Museum’s online collections, virtual field trips, webinars, educational travel programs, and more provide new ways for audiences to connect to history and honor the generation that sacrificed so much to secure our freedom.

Services Provided

Discounted Museum Admission
Train Car Experience
Interactive Stations
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center Monthly Family Nights

Expressions of America Sensory Friendly Mornings Year-round Special Programs Summer Camps
Family Block Party.

How important is it to have a place like this for families, especially for children? The National WWII Museum has the enormous responsibility to preserve and share one of the most important stories in not only American history but also human history. As an educational resource for families and children of all ages and backgrounds, the Museum aims to connect audiences with the personal stories of the men and women who helped secure freedom and democracy across the globe. Our exhibits, programs, and educational resources highlight how World War II shaped the world we live in today—helping make this history relevant, bridging the gap between generations, and ensuring that the sacrifices made for our freedom are never forgotten.

What do you enjoy the most about having the museum in our city? As Tripadvisor’s #1 attraction in New Orleans, The National WWII Museum is proud to be located in one of the most culturally and historically unique cities in the United States. It’s an honor to pay special tribute to the critical roles that the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana played during World War II. Higgins Industries in New Orleans designed and built more than 20,000 boats that were used in all major amphibious landings of the war—most notably the D-Day invasion of

Normandy. This crucial contribution was cited by Supreme Allied Commander and US President Dwight D. Eisenhower as playing a central role in Allied victory and is a main reason the Museum was established here in New Orleans.

What’s next for the Museum? In November 2023, the Museum opened its final permanent exhibit hall, Liberation Pavilion, and celebrated the completion of its seven-acre campus in downtown New Orleans. But our work is far from over. New, innovative experiences are being planned both in New Orleans and online as we expand our educational mission to reach new audiences around the world.