Museum Overview

Inside the Museum, visitors embark on a narrative journey, following exhibits that focus on the people – the Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, Guardian, Coastguardsman, and their families – from answering the call to duty, to life after military service. Individual stories and shared experiences are illustrated through personal artifacts, quotes, letters, imagery and powerful films of Veterans telling their unique story in their own words.

The moment visitors walk through the front door, they are introduced to Veterans from across the country, creating a powerful reminder that Veterans are among us every day and have long played a significant role in serving and protecting the nation. The Great Hall is an open, inviting space with large-scale installations that set the stage for the Museum journey and situate the Museum in a national context.

Permanent Exhibits

There are multiple sections of the core exhibits.

Moving through the exhibits program, Veterans Among Us, there are 14 thematic alcoves highlighting key themes and moments in Veterans’ journeys and incorporates personal stories, past and present, to share a wide range of challenges, sacrifices and achievements.

A linear timeline serves as the chronological backbone of the Museum journey with personal stories of those who have served over time highlighted through artifacts and images.

The Legacy of Service exhibit provides inspirational stories of ways Veterans are using the values and skills learned in military service by helping their communities. This exhibit also illustrates the ways we honor and support Veterans, provides resources and encourages visitors to join a national conversation to begin to bridge the gap between civilians and Veterans.

The Service and Citizenship Gallery serves as the emotional core of the experience, bringing together themes explored throughout the journey and looking at the higher ideal of service.

Lastly, the visitor ascends to the Remembrance Gallery on the mezzanine level, which is a space for reflection and recollection of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, with a warm, colorful glow coming through the floor-to-ceiling stained glass installation inspired by military campaign ribbons. The focal point is an “infinity-flag” display, honoring the millions who died in service to the country.

These exhibits connect historical events to current concerns and transformative military service to the broader idea of community service. The aim: to encourage an ongoing dialogue to strengthen understanding and respect between civilians and Veterans.

Special Exhibits

Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II

Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II, a special exhibition created by the National World War II Museum, explores the story of a top-secret unit — the U.S. Army’s 23rd Headquarters Special Troops — known as the “Ghost Army.”

The 23rd was the first mobile, multimedia, tactical deception unit in U.S. Army history. This talented team of 1,105 artists, engineers, professional soldiers and draftees were capable of simulating two divisions (approximately 30,000 men) utilizing rubber inflatable tanks, trucks and planes; false radio messages, sound effects; and other disinformation tactics. During World War II, they perfected battlefield deception to deceive German troops and safeguard the lives of thousands of Allied soldiers. The 23^rd Headquarters Special Troops included future famed artists Bill Blass, Ellsworth Kelly and Art Kane.

Memorial Grove

Directly adjacent to the Museums lies a 2.5-acre Memorial Grove, designed for contemplation and reflection before visitors return to their everyday lives. Anchored by a grove of Elm trees, the space has a 325-foot stone wall, featuring three cascades of water and a reflecting pool, creating a cohesive space for remembrance, inspiration and the recognition of service.