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Gary Sinise, Expressions of America
Gary Sinise, Expressions of America
Gary Sinise, Expressions of America
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Expressions of America

The National WWII Museum’s Newest Attraction

The newest attraction at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans brings history to life like never before. Expressions of America is an immersive, outdoor sound and light show that combines cutting-edge technology and special effects with the real words and stories of everyday people who made a tremendous impact during a time of monumental conflict. Held as a nighttime experience, enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, stunning imagery, vintage cocktails, festive food options, and entertainment as projections 90 feet tall transport you back in time.

Expressions of America 60 Second Teaser
Courtesy of The National WWII Museum
Expressions of America 60 Second Teaser - The National WWII Museum

Expressions of America can be seen exclusively at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, with the main sound and light experience happening outdoors on the Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Ground—located in the center of the Museum’s campus, beneath the Bollinger Canopy of Peace. Since its November 2022 premiere, it has become a permanent addition to The National WWII Museum experience with several ticketed showings per week. Expressions of America is a family-friendly show for all generations. However, some scenes do depict wartime images, descriptions, and sounds.

Expressions of America was developed by The National WWII Museum in partnership with Mousetrappe, an internationally acclaimed leader in designing and producing media-based shows and experiences for museums, theme parks, expos, and cultural attractions. Mousetrappe collaborated with Solomon Group—an award-winning entertainment design and production firm—on the technical design. Additionally, the production’s original musical score features 1940s-era songs performed by New Orleans musicians, including members of the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Image courtesy of The National WWII Museum
Music, Expressions of America

The Museum has been working on the development of Expressions of America with Mousetrappe and Solomon Group since 2016. The concept for the experience is inspired by the world-renowned ‘son et lumiere’ concept of large-scale, outdoor sound and light displays that have become popular across the globe. The script for the show was drawn from the Museum’s extensive collection of wartime letters, oral histories, and archival footage. All the words in the show will come directly from the men and women of the WWII generation: soldiers, nurses, chaplains, factory workers, artists, entertainers, and supportive loved ones on the Home Front.

FAQ

How much are tickets, and what do they include?


Tickets range from $20 to $79 and include pre-show live entertainment, access to a special custom exhibit and other interactive experiences upon arrival, and the immersive outdoor sound and light show, which is followed by jazzy music and art projections. Once a month, The Museum hosts Family Night, where tickets are $15 and Louisiana students K-12 are admitted free.

All sales of Expressions of America tickets are final and nonrefundable.

Where is the entrance for Expressions of America?


Guests will enter through Solomon Victory Theater Pavilion located on Founders Plaza near the Governor Pete Wilson Liberty Flagstaff on Andrew Higgins Drive. If exiting the Museum Parking Garage, walk to the intersection of Magazine and Andrew Higgins (near The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center entrance), and cross Magazine Street. Continue walking down Andrew Higgins Drive, past the President Roosevelt Sculpture bench. The entrance to Solomon Victory Theater Pavilion will be on your left.

How long is Expressions of America?


Expressions of America is an evening experience lasting approximately 60 minutes. The experience for Dinner & Show Package purchasers is about 90 minutes.

Will there be food and drinks to purchase onsite?


Yes. The American Sector Restaurant & Bar will be open with a full bar and a la carte menu options. 1940s-inspired snacks, vintage cocktails, and other beverages will also be available for purchase on site.

Will there be seating available?


Yes. While the show will be projected on several buildings and was designed to be experienced standing, seating will be available on the Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Ground on a first-come, first-served basis for ticket holders. Premium Dinner Packages include reserved balcony seating for the main sound and light experience.

Does Expressions have accommodations for those with accessibility needs?


Yes, please visit https://www.nationalww2museum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/accessibility for more information on the Museum’s commitment to making its experiences accessible to all visitors. Additionally, the Museum is working closely with Mousetrappe, the Expressions of America production company, to provide closed captioning and other accommodations specific to the Expressions experience.

What happens if it rains?


Expressions of America will run rain or shine. The Museum reserves the right to cancel due to severe weather to ensure the safety of its guests. If the show is cancelled, all guests will be refunded or rescheduled accordingly.

Will Museum exhibits be open during Expressions of America?


Museum exhibits will continue to close at 5:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted, and will not be open during Expressions of America. Upon arrival to Solomon Victory Theater, visitors will have access to a custom exhibit that highlights the role of correspondence during the war—the source material used to develop Expressions of America.

Visit https://www.expressionsofamerica.org for more information.