Description

In the heart of New Orleans' Warehouse Arts District, the National World War II Museum holds one of the largest collections of WWII memorabilia in America. From soldiers' letters home and exhibits on the technological innovations of the war to vivid photographs and film footage, the National WWII Museum chronicles the war that changed the world.

Six galleries in the museum's permanent collection transport visitors back in time. The Louisiana Memorial Pavilion thrills with its collection of fighter jets, tanks and other full-scale vehicles and aircraft. The Home Front Gallery takes visitors back to 1939, prior to the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, when the confrontation began to escalate overseas and Americans were engaged in enlisting and helping on the Home Front. The Pacific D-Days Gallery delves into the events of Pearl Harbor, from the suicide pilots who dropped the first bombs and the Japanese plans for the invasion to the dawn of the Atomic Age. The D-Day Planning Gallery introduces the forces the allies faced as they planned the invasion at Normandy, from battle plans and weapons to small-scale models of the events. The D-Day Beaches Gallery takes visitors aboard a Higgins boat that lands on Omaha Beach for the full experience of the historic landing.

The museum's Solomon Victory Theater screens hourly showings of "Beyond All Boundaries", an exclusive, groundbreaking 4-D film that takes viewers on a vivid journey from the cataclysmic bombing of Pearl Harbor to the final Allied victory in first-person accounts and archival footage. The film runs 45 minutes.

The Stage Door Canteen at the museum is a unique entertainment venue hosting a weekly series of matinees, original musical productions, the Victory Bells vocal trio and more.

Daily lectures, educational programs, and series adaptations are on the museum's regular weekly and are usually included with the cost of admission. Be sure to check out the Lunch Box Lectures and the Meet the Author Series.

The National World War II Museum brings to life the actions and reactions of a world in political unrest. You will leave appreciating your country, your fellow man, and your heritage, but most of all you will leave educated. Credited as one of the most informative war museums in the world, the National WWII Museum in New Orleans is a must-see attraction for visitors, veterans, and history buffs.

You'll experience the historic events of World War II in a modern facility that is known for its hospitable, knowledgeable staff. The museum recommends reserving approximately three hours for a full tour of the museum campus, which also includes gifts shops, restaurants, and a small visitors' center for information about other attractions in New Orleans. The museum is one block from the St. Charles streetcar line, it is within walking distance of downtown New Orleans hotels, and an easy cab ride to or from French Quarter hotels.

Stop by celebrity chef John Besh's retro-themed American Sector restaurant and The Soda Shop, featuring classic American cuisine from short ribs, Sloppy Joe's and corned beef sandwiches to old fashioned fountain sodas and milkshakes. The museum is also within walking distance of the Contemporary Arts Center, as well as some of New Orleans best restaurants, including Donald Link's contemporary Cajun restaurant Cochon and Emeril's, the flagship restaurant of Emeril Lagasse.