New Orleans Museums
The National WWII Museum is a historical military-themed museum centrally located in New Orleans. It is dedicated to the United States' contribution to the Allied victory in World War II. The museum's permanent collection fills a five-story complex, devoted to various themes. Additionally, the museum hosts a number of temporary exhibits and special events throughout the year.
Museum History
Opened on June 6, 2000, the 56th anniversary of D-Day, the museum's exhibits emphasize the amphibious invasion of Normandy. New Orleans is an unconventional choice given the city's other attractions are not associated with the 20th century.
New Orleans, known for its cuisine, music, and nightlife, indeed has a connection to American military history. Yet most would probably think of it in terms of the Battle of New Orleans in 1814 or as the first major Southern city occupied by the Union during the Civil War. However, New Orleans has a strong link to World War II, particularly the Normandy invasion. The Higgins Boats, which were vital to the operation, were designed, manufactured, and tested in New Orleans.
While the initial emphasis was on D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, it was clear from the start that the museum would not be limited to a single event in the great war. Instead, the museum's focus was broadened to encompass America's role in World War II, both at home and abroad. The museum closed for three months after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, reopening on December 3 of that year.
Museum attendance continues to grow: from 400,000 in 2010 to 700,000 in recent years. In 2017, the museum received the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award as the No. 2 museum in the US and worldwide.
Main Pavilions
Visitors entering the main atrium of the museum will immediately feel as if they have been transported to another time. Visitors gain access to the museum's collection of World War II era transportation vehicles. In the large atrium of the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, several aircraft are displayed, including the Supermarine Spitfire and the Douglas C-47 Skytrain, suspended from the ceiling. The pavilion also features the LCVP, or "Higgins Boat." The exhibits in this pavilion are dedicated to the landings on the European theater of military operations.
The Louisiana Memorial Pavilion is also home to temporary exhibitions, as well as an interactive train car. This part of the museum includes several permanent galleries, including the Home Front, Planning for D-Day, and D-Day Beaches.
The third floor of the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion includes an observation deck for closer observation of the suspended aircraft.
New Exhibitions
In January 2013, the museum opened the US Freedom Pavilion, which is the largest building on the campus. The pavilion was funded by a $15 million donation from Boeing and a $20 million grant from the US Department of Defense. The US Freedom collection includes bombers:
- B-17E Flying Fortress;
- B-25J Mitchell;
- SBD-3 Dauntless;
- TBF Avenger;
- P-51C Mustang;
- Corsair F4U-4.
In December 2014, the museum opened part of the Campaign of Courage pavilion dedicated to the European theater of operations as well as the war in the Pacific. Its area, including both galleries, is 32,000 square feet.
In June 2017, a new exhibition called "The Arsenal of Democracy" opened in the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, telling the story of the home front experience. The museum also has plans to open the so-called Liberation Pavilion by 2020. Its goal is to explore "the cost and significance of liberation" as well as how the legacy of World War II affects us today.
Additional Information
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Address
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
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Phone
+1-504-528-1944
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Working hours
Daily: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
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Prices
- Adults: $28
- Pensioners from 65: $24
- Students: $18
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Web site
| Address | 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
| Phone | +1-504-528-1944 |
| Working hours | Daily: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |
| Prices |
|
| Web site |
The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is a living portal into history, leaving an indelible impression on every visitor. This museum not only teaches history but also inspires reflection on the importance of peace and heroism in our modern world.
Don't miss the chance to be part of this unique historical journey. Book your tour of the National WWII Museum with American Butler now and discover the pages of history that will come alive before your eyes.
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