National World War II Museum

National World War II Museum
The National WWII Museum · Public domain · source
Name	National World War II Museum
Caption	The museum's main entrance on Andrew Higgins Drive
Established	June 6, 2000
Location	New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Type	Military and historical museum
Visitors	Over 700,000 annually
President	Stephen J. Watson
Website	nationalww2museum.org

National World War II Museum is a prominent history museum located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded as the National D-Day Museum and designated by the United States Congress as America's official museum dedicated to the Second World War, it explores the American experience in the war that changed the world. The institution's mission is to tell the story of the American experience in the war, focusing on the contributions and sacrifices made by the nation.

History

The museum was conceived by historian and author Stephen E. Ambrose, who was inspired by the stories of American G.I.s he interviewed. With the support of Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller and other civic leaders, the institution was established on June 6, 2000, the 56th anniversary of D-Day. Its original focus on the Normandy landings and the Allied invasion of Europe was due to New Orleans being the home of Andrew Higgins, whose Higgins Industries manufactured the vital LCVP "Higgins boats". In 2003, a unanimous act of Congress signed by President George W. Bush designated it as the official National World War II Museum, leading to a major expansion of its scope and campus.

Campus and pavilions

The museum's campus spans several city blocks and features a collection of modern pavilions designed by architectural firms like Voorsanger Architects and Eskew+Dumez+Ripple. Key structures include the original Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, which houses the iconic LCM "Higgins boat". The Solomon Victory Theater presents the 4D film *Beyond All Boundaries*, produced by Tom Hanks. The US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center displays massive aircraft like a B-17 Flying Fortress and a B-24 Liberator. Other major additions are the Campaigns of Courage pavilion, focusing on the European and Pacific theaters, and the Hall of Democracy, which contains research and educational facilities. The newest pavilion, the Higgins Hotel and Conference Center, serves as an on-site hotel.

Exhibitions and collections

Permanent exhibitions utilize immersive environments, personal narratives, and extensive artifacts to convey the war's scale. *The Road to Berlin: European Theater Galleries* details campaigns from North Africa to the Battle of the Bulge, while *The Road to Tokyo: Pacific Theater Galleries* covers the attack on Pearl Harbor, Midway, and the island hopping strategy. The museum holds a vast collection of over 250,000 artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, vehicles, and personal letters. Notable items include a Sherman tank, a P-51 Mustang fighter, and the personal effects of figures like General Eisenhower. Rotating special exhibitions have covered topics such as the Manhattan Project, wartime propaganda, and the service of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Educational programs and outreach

The institution operates extensive educational initiatives for students, teachers, and the public. Its Institute for the Study of War and Democracy produces scholarly content and public programming. Programs include interactive virtual field trips, the Electronic Field Trip series, and teacher workshops accredited by the Louisiana Department of Education. The annual International Conference on World War II brings together historians like Rick Atkinson and Antony Beevor. Outreach extends to a robust digital presence with online collections, the *"Voices of the Pacific"* podcast, and distance learning courses that reach a global audience.

Recognition and impact

Widely regarded as a top museum destination, it has received accolades from publications such as TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice awards and is consistently ranked among the best museums in the United States by USA Today. Its economic impact on New Orleans is significant, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs. The museum plays a crucial role in preserving the legacy of the Greatest Generation, hosting Veterans Day and D-Day anniversary commemorations that attract veterans and their families from across the nation. Its work ensures the historical lessons of the war, the Holocaust, and the establishment of the United Nations continue to inform current and future generations.

Category:Museums in New Orleans Category:Military and war museums in Louisiana Category:World War II museums in the United States Category:2000 establishments in Louisiana