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National World War I Museum
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
Liberty Memorial100 W 26th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 784-1918
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
42 reviews for National World War I Museum
Review Highlights
42 reviews in English
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Review from David A.
2/3/2012
Want to hide in trenches? CHECK! Want to check out old artillery pieces and tanks? CHECK! Want to enjoy a museum that is underground? CHECK MATE!
LOVE this museum. It's my favorite military museum world wide that I have been to. With a beautiful park/grounds above with Egyptian style architecture of old and obelisks to the large museum below with many interactive exhibits, this definitely has the WOW factor going on. I had friends and family that were not military history oriented (as I am) and they still enjoyed it.
This is well worth the money and at least 2 hours of your time. Bring the camera if it's a nice sunny day above as the grounds & architecture are gorgeous. Also, if you stick around at night, you can take a photo of the Liberty War memorial all lit up.
Of note, I wouldn't pay for the money to head up into the tower. It's not all that, but the museum itself is quite amazing and unrivaled in the Americas. This is truly a memorial to a war long forgotten and rarely talked about. -
Review from Angela K.
1/12/2012
What an awesome secret we have here in Kansas City! I was simply blown away at the quality of this museum. I had no idea what I was in for, and honestly thought I would just be taking an out of town history buff through here while yawning my way through war-time exhibits.
Was I wrong! I found myself engrossed in the very interactive and informative displays. I was, sadly, pretty uninformed about WWI and I hungrily consumed so much information at this museum, I didn't want to leave. There's so much to see and learn that I wanted to go back through when we were done.
I recommend this museum to everyone I know now, even if they aren't history buffs. It's totally worth the time and money spent. I just wish I'd gone sooner. -
Review from Grace Y.
What an emotional roller coaster! Absolutely loved this place- so rich in history. Where do I begin? The main tower, sphinxes, and the two smaller museum units were built in 1921. The rest of the museum was built a couple of years ago. The mix of the old and new architecture is fascinating!
Make sure you take the time to read all the info blurbs- they add a whole new level of meaning to the experience. All the volunteers are also extremely knowledgable of WW1 history, be sure to take advantage of them (especially since most of them are veterans).
Everything is very clean. The restrooms, the 3 museum rooms, the cafe, etc. I am very impressed with the beauty of the place from the inside out. Perfect spot for photo-shoots/photojournalism opportunities as well. Photography is permitted!
This is a must-go location for all visitors and locals alike! -
Review from Mitchell P.
Houston, TX
11/11/2011
When I was in KC rooting for my Horns in the big 12 basketball tournament last year, I made it to the National World War I Museum and was very glad I did. The museum was walking distance from my hotel, which was primarily the reason I went.
First off, I do not remember a line at all. The museum was very neat and well organized. From the old pictures to the large cannons and the tank, everything was pretty amazing. The captions just supplemented the experience and really took you there. If you have time, walk around the entire place, inside and out and definitely go to the top of that tower.
I would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting KC in between all the BBQ consumption! -
Review from Kelly H.
Kansas City, MO
1/4/2012
While I have lived in KC all of my life, and have frequented Liberty Memorial on multiple occasions, I had not been inside the museum until just recently. I can't believe what I've been missing. This is an absolute gem that KC is sitting on. For $12 you not only get to see the amazing museum (full of hundreds of artifacts and incredible propaganda art), but you also get access to the top of the Liberty Memorial tower. From the top you get full views of the city. In a city lacking many hills, this is the best spot for a full view of downtown and the surrounding areas. While the museum is definitely worth the trip, I will say that if you're poor and aren't too interested in the museum the views and photo opportunities from the outside of the memorial are awesome and free.
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Review from Layne E.
Springfield, MO
11/10/2011
One of the BEST museums I've been to in a LONG time.
If you live in or are visiting KC, you need to take a day and go through. -
Review from Joe L.
Kansas City, MO
1/14/2012
How did I not know a museum this good was in Kansas City? I've lived here most of my life and just recently saw the exhibit. It's the only WW1 museum in the US and is certainly world class. The free tours make it easy to learn and ask questions. If you're going to take photos from the top of the memorial, plan on spending 4+ hours here.
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Review from Susan M.
Mission, KS
6/10/2011
Get ready; get set; GO to Kansas City's National WW1 Museum...especially if you live in Kansas City!
We have so many amazing attractions right here that other people travel for HOURS (or days) to see! We have access to one of the best for-all-ages-and-budgets "Staycation" experiences anywhere, including this Museum, the Steamboat Arabia, the Nelson-Atkins-Bloch art gallery, plus many more "whimsical" attractions like Worlds of Fun (and no, I do not work for the Board of Tourism).
Here's just a small sample of what's in store for you at the WW1 Museum:
1) Not only is the entirety of the Liberty Memorial area impressive, the silk poppy-field-under-glass entryway to the WW1 museum took my breath away, both for its beauty (and the eerie feeling of walking on glass) and for what it symbolizes: each of the 9,000 poppies = 1,000 soldiers who gave their lives in this war.
2) As embarrassing as this is to say, I'll cop to it to encourage EVERYONE to visit this museum: I am NOT into history. One excuse I could give for that? "History" was never presented in any remotely interesting way in school. As hackneyed as this sounds, this museum truly brings history to life...giving it breath and breadth.
3) Here, history literally "spoke" to me. Don't be embarrassed...do what the kids do: poke your head into the little "windows" in the bunker wall; hear the actual words of soldiers from WW1.
4) I planned the tour because I knew my husband would be interested. Despite my preconceived notions of "history lessons," four hours later, he still couldn't tear me away! (Tip: Pick up a free copy of the "Family Guide, a 14-page booklet designed to send children on a scavenger hunt through the Museum's world-class collections." But don't believe the "Tricks are for kids" commercial; get right in there with them!
5) The "you are there" diorama toward the end of the exhibit gave me chills.
6) Other "don't-miss-it" experiences here: the ride up the tower and its commanding views, a picnic lunch on the grounds, the view of the sunset, and a photo of your family standing beside the tower when the sun casts a shadow that allows YOUR shadow to be in the photo too!
7) Tip: For $2 off adult admissions through 9/5/11, go to http://visitkc.com/thi... and click on "special offers." (There may be other offers available, but that one came up most quickly on my internet search.) -
Review from Clifford S.
Frankfort, IL
7/3/2011
WWI is a recent historical reading pursuit of mine so this museum was perfect for me. We were in town for baseball, barbeque and museums. I was impressed with the quality of the bbq and the museums. And the Cubs, well, don't get me started.
If you are interested in WWI history or like to visit well organized and interesting museums, you should come to KC just to visit the WWI museum. I also liked their gift shop and got a great coffee table book on WWI.
My only complaint is that we didn't have enough time to really see every part of the museum. I would like to be back.Listed in: Baseball weekend in KC
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Review from Lilian O.
Houston, TX
5/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
This museum is easily one of the best in the country and completely blew me away. Every twist and turn unveiled something new. I'm not a history buff nor a fan of history museums generally but the National World War 1 Museum completely changed my perspective. I've been to the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza Historic District in Indianapolis but prefer the National World War 1 Museum over the museums there.
The exhibits are very well done with the perfect balance of text, interactive media, display items, aircraft, tanks, and many other artifacts. I also found the war tables to be really cool as you take a lighted pen and can make your own war posters and view photos/videos at your leisure.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the museum is much larger than it appears from the outside as it is built underneath Liberty Memorial. My fiancee and I took advantage of the 2 day admission that's included in the price of the ticket so we could thoroughly enjoy the museum without feeling overwhelmed.Listed in: The Best of Kansas City
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Review from mike s.
Columbia, MO
6/26/2011
Here's the best way to decide if you want to visit the National World War I Museum -- ask yourself these two questions:
1) Do I give a $hit about WW1?
2) Do I like museums?
If the answer to even one of those is 'yes', go. -
Review from Zach G.
6/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is a great museum, and will probably surprise most people coming to Kansas City...or most Kansas Citians who had never been here. I would venture that a good chunk of people in KC have been to the outside, what with its great view of the city and all, but not as menu venture down, pay the $12 adult charge and go to the museum. Well, you should.
Is it cheap? No. But is it a great experience? Yes. I am a history buff who knows quite a bit about the war, and still found myself learning new things at every corner, and putting what I knew in to new context. The films are great, the artifacts are fascinating.
I think that, along with the Nelson-Atkins, this is one of the two museums in KC that you really must visit. -
Review from Stephen H.
Overland Park, KS
4/27/2011
This is the only WWI museum in North America, and indeed, outside of Europe! It's such a cultural treasure. We have a great group of donors, docents, and benefactors that have continued to sustain and enlarge the mission and outreach of the Museum as a regional attraction.
When you do go, if it's a nice day, make sure that you buy tickets to go up in the tower (Liberty Memorial). It's a really great view of the city.
The movie, which starts every 30 minutes, is a really, really great intro to the War and the museum which is informative without being partisan.
One of the issues that locals have in attending museums like this one is that they suffer from "but it's here" syndrome. Cure? Put it on your calendar for a day in the future, and then, duh, Go.
Then you'll be winning.
PS This is a great place to go on Veterans or Memorial Day...in order to truly celebrate a "holiday" as opposed to celebration by getting drunk or shopping.Listed in: Kansas City Top 105 for…
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Review from Christyn K.
Kansas City, MO
I am not sure that I am even eligible to write a review about this museum since I am not a history buff. In fact, I try to avoid that topic all together when I can help it. Though I love art museums, history museums make me yawn in anticipation.
Until I went to this one.
It is no understatement that this is the only WWI museum outside of Europe. They have taken the task of relaying the very important history of this place seriously. I'll admit, I knew the bare minimum about WWI before visiting this place, and left willing to share all the info I absorbed during my 4-hour visit with everyone and anyone!
In short: this place takes the text of our history books and magically morphs it into lively artistic and informative displays and exhibits. Even the kids will love this museum with its hands-on exhibits and videos. The artist will appreciate the poppy flower installation at the entrance. And of course the gift shop is a little treasure, too :)
This is a must-visit for any out-of-towner. MUST.Listed in: Tourists in KC, RotD
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Review from Megan L.
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very informaative, the memorrial is beautiful, as is the park that surrounds it. The volunteers are very well informed, friendly, and eager to help. The collection is extensive, and there is a TON of info to assorb. It starts out with a 12 minute video that tells the story of how it started, including the general attitude and environment of Europe and the industrial evolution in the countries envolved. Dont skip the video. It really draws direct lines to the status of todays environment and how easily something like WW1 could happen again. Additionally, the gift shop has a good selection of books and posters about and from that era.
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Review from Rob M.
10/19/2010
The National World War I Museum is superbly done. It's a great credit to the people of Kansas City and as fine an historic museum as exists in the U.S.
The Museum ingeniously uses the relatively small space underneath the Liberty Memorial plaza/terrace to tell the epic story of World War I. The exhibits include interactive displays, recreations of World War I trenches, a couple of short movies, spots where you can hear speeches or listen to the music of the war era, and a remarkable number of World War I artworks and artifacts. There is also a lot to read about the war -- you definitely need to be literate to fully absorb everything this museum has to offer! Give yourself plenty of time -- to see everything you're going to need at least 3 hours, and probably more.
World War I may no longer be as "glamorous" as World War II, but a visit to the museum is illuminating. It sheds a great deal of light on many of the world conflicts we're still facing which are directly related to the outcomes and consequences of World War I. (Much of the current conflict in the Middle East stems from the artificial division of the defeated Ottoman Empire into colonies and protectorates that became present-day countries like Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, etc.) The heroic efforts of the Allies in World War I deserve all the credit given to them in the museum's exhibits, but the war wasn't just "history." We still live with the war's legacy today.
This is definitely one of the "must-see" experiences for locals and visitors to Kansas City!
Entrance to the museum is through the great bronze doors on the south side of the Liberty Memorial complex. The Liberty Memorial is fascinating on its own, featuring monumental art deco architecture and iconic views of the city from the plaza/terrace and the tower. (The Memorial is reviewed separately here on Yelp!) -
Review from Thom R.
West Hollywood, CA
11/27/2011
The short movie on this site contains ultra rare private collection photos from the Battle of Somme...figured anyone interested in the National World War I Museum would find this of interest: http://kallistimedia.com/
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Review from Dave W.
Chicago, IL
11/19/2010
This museum is amazing, and one of the best history museums I've been to.
A friend and I drove here just thinking it was a couple cannons and a statue of a soldier, but far from it. The building is huge and has several different areas. You can even go to the top of the tower and see a 360 degree view of KC.
The museum has an enormous amount of WWI equipment, flags, guns, a tank, etc. on display. I was talking with a volunteer, and he said that at any time, only 10% of the items they have are on display and that they are constantly changing exhibits.
Not only do they have a vast amount of displays, but they have several movies that alone are worth the price of admission. The intro movie is simply great, and it sums up the causes of the war. There is also a digital interactive area, which is fun.
The volunteers that work there are great too. They are mostly, if not all, military veterans, and they have a great passion for this museum.
I definitely recommend this place. FYI... the ticket you purchase is good for 2 days. -
Review from Stephanie R.
Washington, IL
8/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very impressive collection of items. I was there with my husband and do not know a lot about history and do not have an interest in artillery, but there were a lot of neat advertisements and costumes to keep me interested. The entry fee seems pretty reasonable.
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Review from Bryan E.
Kansas City, MO
4/20/2011
Having lived in Europe for a year and visiting several WWI museums during that time, I can honestly say this is a gem in the heart of our country. The overall presentation is impeccable and their collection of artifacts is vast. I loved the presentation with the trenches and short film half way through.
Listed in: Culture Vultures
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Review from Marie F.
4/23/2010
I was very impressed with this museum. From the Liberty memorial being the landmark that guides the way to the field of poppies below the glass floor at the entrance.
The short movies they play are interesting. Especially the one that's about half way through with the lighting effects. Very cool.
If you go on a Wednesday, you get second day pass for free. So you can come back the next day if you feel overwhelmed.
The volunteers are passionate about the museum and that is heartwarming.
My brother and I both really enjoyed visiting and I encourage everyone to see it.
A side note about the interactive tables -- they are very cool. Among other things, you get to make propaganda posters by using the laser light thingy and you can email your final result. Beware though, they will SPAM you. Not a lot but I was not happy about them harvesting my email address.
I agree that this place is not good for young children. A small boy was there and he was bawling as his mother pleaded for him to "look at the planes". A child will not be entertained here. -
Review from Nathan A.
New York, NY
11/23/2010
This was a brilliant museum and one you must see. I know if it was located in NYC or some other major tourist hub it would be a lot more well known.
The museum does a great job at explaining the complicated precursors to WWI while also giving you some startling facts. The relics are amazing as well as the video and films they show. The observation tower also gives you a great view of the city to conclude your tour.
I really don't want to give too much away as there are some great displays that you just need to see for yourself. It is a beautifully created museum but also a modern one which should suit the purpose of educating not only adults, but kids alike. Trust me, I spent 4 hours there and still felt like I needed more time to explore. -
Review from Amanda K.
Santa Rosa, CA
5/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
This museum was probably one of the best I've ever been to, which is saying a lot, since I go to many museums. I guess I wasn't quite expecting it, because it's in a huge gray building, and many history museums of this sort are stuffy and sort of "rah! rah! patriotic," and don't get me wrong, I'm a student of history and love our country, but sometimes it can get a little overbearing.
I was very impressed that this museum was able to discuss war in the least biased way I think they could have done it. They presented artifacts, information, and quotes from all sides of the war, really as a way of showing the experiences different people had. The museum is more or less split into two sections - the war before the United States entered, and the war afterward.
Each section has several rows of double-sided casing with all kinds of artifacts - clothing, ammunition, weapons, postcards, currency, etc. They had a few 3-D diorama-type installations showing what a typical trench would have looked like. There were about a dozen wall panels depicting maps or numbers of things, to give people a good numerical comparison (for example, numbers of planes shot down by pilot, or representative numbers of enlisted men). I was impressed by the vehicles, guns, and the clear flooring in some areas to give even exhibit space.
I even watched the movies playing, which is something I almost never do. The intro movie I watched because the volunteers there were actively encouraging it, and lots of people also went in, so I was curious to know what was so good or interesting about it. The other movie screen is very wide, and positioned in between the two sections of the museum - having to walk through, it caught my attention, and I stayed to watch. This was clever, I thought.
Two temporary exhibitions are in two buildings on the upper level, reachable by elevators or outside stairs. I didn't go up into the tower, but lots of people seemed like they were enjoying it. Volunteers were just super friendly and seemed to love their jobs. No complaints! -
Review from Makaio A.
Overland Park, KS
7/20/2011
Why did I wait 8 years to tour it! This is the best tourist and history experience I've had in Kansas City in 8 years (since I've been here). Make sure you go up in the tower as well as it is a great view of the city (you have to get in line before 4pm to go up it - best to get there by 3:30 to make sure you get up there). It will take 2-3 hours to tour the museum inside as well, and there are 2 more exhibit halls on top of it. It is not super big, but it is well done and the best if only WW I museum in the nation.
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Review from Billy A.
12/26/2006
This Smithsonian-quality museum was a real find on my trip to Kansas City. It sits under the Liberty Memorial, and is "the only public museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the history of World War One." Wow, right here in Kansas City?
Watch the orientation movie, and then walk the circular gallery detailing the events leading to WWI in Europe and the eventual U.S. participation. The museum has a vast collection of WWI artifacts, especially posters. Plan at least 90 minutes if you're at all interested.
Did you know Spain was completely neutral in WWI? Even Portugal declared war on Germany.Listed in: My Firsts, Kansas City Weekend
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Review from Megan B.
Chicago, IL
10/21/2008
I think the WWI Museum is a must see for those living near or visiting Kansas City. The museum helps patrons understand both the US role in the war, as well as its larger impact on the world. This is especially important since this part of America's history is usually overshadowed by our involvement in WWII.
The museum was well laid out, organized by time and theme. The artifacts and videos were interesting, helping bring the war to life. The museum was the perfect size to give an well rounded survey of the war, while also not being too overwhelming. About 2 hours is the perfect amount of time to see the entire museum. If you can, I highly recommend a guided tour. -
Review from Rhett H.
Columbia, MO
1/19/2008 7 photos
You are reading this for some reason, and maybe it's because you actually have heard of WWI before. The War. The War to end all wars. Well, in a way, this war is still going on. While not exactly a strict history lesson, this place can bring alive an interest like no other. While it's only free to kids under 6 and active duty or retired military folks, it's still cheap ($10 for the grand tour to include the tower).
You've got little movies, you've got interactive trench warfare, you've got multimedia displays, and you've got artifacts out the wazoo. Here are my highlights:
The tower. I like heights, and it's nice to see Kansas City from high up. At night, from the street, the tower burns and smoke comes out. Are they cooking barbecue? I want some.
The room on the roof of the museum. There are two big things which you can see from the outside as you walk up. Inside is the original museum before they built on to it a few years ago. There is some really good stuff there, and the buildings themselves are architectual niceties. In addition, there is a great movie to check out narrarated by some famous person (walter cronkite?). I also enjoyed the smallness of the space, the intimacy with the artifacts.
The big diorama with accompanying movie. This is like a combination of a 3D scenery (like a play) with timed cinematic effects and a narrarator. It makes things very interesting and if your child doesn't pay attention for more than a few seconds to this stuff, have them checked for ADHD.
The errie sphinxes. For some reason, Kansas City has a lot of these things (see the ones near the police station on the north side of linwood east of troost). According to the designer, H. Van Buren Magonigle, the two sphinex represent 'Memory' and 'Future'. Both of the sphinxes have their headed hidden by their wings; Memory hiding to forget the pain and suffering of war, Future in skepticism of things to come. Like I said, errie.
It's a great place to bring your out of town friends, or to check out if you are out of town. This place and the Nelson are really the gems of professional institutes for humanities in Kansas City.Listed in: Easy on the eyes and mind
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Review from Hans Z.
South Pasadena, CA
7/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've never been terribly interested in the First World War, but this did seem like a Museum worth checking out. My expectations in all honesty weren't the highest, but I'm glad we went.
The main exhibit was actually the last thing we checked out, after the tower and the two upper level wings. The wing exhibits were interesting and I was afraid at first the main exhibit would be as sparsely laid out as they were. The tower was great and gives the best view in the city. It really shows how flat the Midwest really is if you're not from there!
The Main exhibit was amazing. The interiors were finished nicely, great infographics, good layout and plenty of informative exhibits. Even the introductory video was interesting and I never want to watch those. Everything from the planes to ordinance was in excellent condition and really gives a good feel to what technology of the era was like.
I was expecting to spend about an hour here, we ended up spending close to three. Everyone in our party was fully engaged the entire time.
Pros:
-Excellent exhibits, very engaging.
-Tower views.
-Lots of parking.
Cons:
-Price. The other art museums are free! I really don't view this as a negative though. -
Review from Danielle S.
Houston, TX
11/11/2010
Armistice Day seems an appropriate juncture to submit this long-overdue review of the National World War I museum. During my trip to Kansas City this summer, I stopped in to see the museum after it was recommended to me by my dad, who visited less than a year after it was first opened. He raved about the quality of the exhibits and told me I had to visit, so I was eager to check the museum out for myself.
World War I seems to be the conflict that the public has forgotten. Most WWI vets are gone today (as of this writing there is only one American veteran living), and World War II followed so quickly afterwards that WWI is often regarded as its mere prelude. Ask an average person what they know about World War I, and they may say "funny helmets", and if they're really in the know, they'll tell you Franz Ferdinand was an archduke before it was a band.
My family found out only recently that a great-great-uncle earned the Distinguished Service Cross in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, one of the bloodiest battles in the war. The Distinguished Service Cross is one step below the Medal of Honor, which is more often than not awarded posthumously, so it's kind of a big deal. We didn't know because he never talked about his World War I service. (Of course, this was a guy who went to medical school in France after the war, went to China and set up a medical mission there, spent the entirety of WWII in a Japanese prison camp, stayed in China until the communists kicked him out, and then practiced medicine until his 90's...so perhaps he felt like the Meuse-Argonne was small potatoes compared to what he did afterwards. This is also why absolutely anything I do in my life will not nearly be amazing enough.) With a family history like this, I was ashamed to not know more about WWI.
On a hot day in August, after a bit of misdirection (which is common in KC), I wandered over to the museum and headed to the cool reaches of the underground bunker that is the museum. The entrance to the exhibit halls is a glass platform under which nine thousand silk poppies lay--each one representing one THOUSAND soldiers who died in the conflict. It is a sobering reminder of just how shockingly terrible the cost of life during this war was. There is a short introduction video that gives you an overview of the prelude to war, and a small anteroom to the exhibit hall gives you more information about the war's causes.
The museum exhibits are modern, multimedia and never glorify the conflict. World War I was a harrowing time in human history, and the museum is incredibly objective in its treatment of war. There were times when I felt myself swallowing back tears in reading through the interpretive panels. The displays include clothing, weapons, and other artifacts from wartime. There's a "make your own" propaganda poster table, a listening booth for famous speeches and songs of the era, and an interactive program detailing how Kansas City was involved in World War I. I left feeling hungry to know more--the museum's gift shop had an interesting array of books for those who would like to study up later. I ended up buying a polo shirt emblazoned with the museum's logo for my dad as a thank-you for making this museum a "must see" on my trip.
Today, as I wear the "buddy" poppy I acquired at the museum in remembrance of those who were lost "over there", I am thankful for the service of those like my great-great-uncle and am glad I know just a little bit more about the conflict thanks to the National World War I Museum. If you're ever in Kansas City, I encourage you to take a look.Listed in: Midwest is Best
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Review from Sasha R.
Updated - 9/11/2011
as a quick aside, the husband recently ranked this museum as tops, over even the imperial war museum in london.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/7/2010
could not drag the husband away from this place, even after close to 3 hours. if you're at all… Read more »
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Review from Joseph C.
6/25/2008 2 photos
I cant say that I'm a history buff in any sort of way, but this place is a must on your visit to KC for many reasons. First is that this place beats any book or movie that you may have seen or read about WWI. Second would be that you really get to see and feel how this war really was with the two short movies throughout the exhibit and its recreations of soldier stories from bunkers and foxholes.
One of the best museums I've visited anywhere and it's on par with any museum of Smithsonian stature. Allow anywhere from 3-5 hours and make sure to purchase the combination tour which includes the tour of the museum itself and of Liberty Memorial. There are lots and lots of artifacts from this war.
It's a great exhibit and a great way to spend an afternoon in the city.
This in my opinion is not a museum for kids. -
Review from julie c.
Santa Fe, NM
9/22/2011
I cannot say enough good things about this museum. World War I is often forgotten in American history, so it was great to see an entire museum dedicated to it. The $12 admission is completely worth it - there are interactive exhibits, informative movies, and so much stuff from the war itself. All of the relics are from the actual war, so you really get a chance to see what it was like. The staff are super helpful, and many of them are veterans who served in previous wars. The Over There Cafe also had reasonably priced, delicious food.
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Review from Brian U.
Sylmar, CA
5/26/2010 1 photo
I'd hate to say anything negative about a war memorial because it seems unpatriotic and disparages those who made sacrifices. So, I won't and let the rating speak for itself. I'll also say that perhaps this wasn't my cup of tea.
We walked here from the Westin on a Saturday afternoon. We used a buy one, get one free coupon from the Westin which help reduce the $12 per person charge. Tickets are good for two days, but we didn't need to return on Sunday.
The exhibits clearly laid out the progression of the war and display many foot soldier artifacts. Great emphasis is placed on life in the trenches, rather than key tactical moments.
The tower offers views like the other downtown buildings, but there is no glass window to shoot through. The crown of the tower also fires up at night. I'll try to put up a picture shot from the Westin. -
Review from WAJ W.
Omaha, NE
9/6/2011
Among the finest US history museums in the country. The design and execution are intelligent and they creative an immersive experience, exactly as a museum should. You will not be disappointed here.
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Review from Matt E.
1/28/2010
What to do in Kansas City when your parents are visiting for the weekend? This was the question i found myself posing last weekend. Part of the answer ended up being to check out the WWI museum, something that I had never done and I figured would interest my history-buff father.
First of all, I have to admit that I didn't really know much of anything about World War I. I knew that it was sparked by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, but that probably was in my brain more for my love of indie rock than it was due to anything i learned in college. I left this museum not exactly feeling like an expert, but it was definitely a step in the right direction.
I'm not going to spoil the entrance to the museum for you, but i found its symbolism appropriately thought provoking.
As for the exhibits themselves....it includes two video stations that i found incredibly informative, and they helped my TV rotted brain to absorb a bit more information than i was able to gather from reading off the walls. In fact, my one real "complaint" about the museum is that for it's relatively small size, it is just so packed full of information that eventually i found myself unable to really absorb anything more. VERY reading intensive. The artifacts are great, but i eventually reached a point where i just had to say "enough!" and vow to return some other time to try and absorb it again.
I especially liked the multimedia stations. There were a series of booths where you could listen to famous speeches, songs from the era, and news reports. There were computer terminals that allowed some learning of a more hands-on nature. Especially cool for me was a multimedia timeline dedicated to what was going on in KC during the years of WWI. It definitely helped me gain some perspective.
I'd be glad to go back. It's a great institution that I feel like most people in KC completely forget about. Maybe b/c it's underground.
BTW, the tower was down for renovation. boo.Listed in: Places I take people to…
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Review from Colleen O.
New York, NY
10/16/2008
I have been volunteering at the museum for a few weeks now. While my brother is in Afghanistan, it is something I wanted to do because he loved this museum so much - and I never knew why until now.
I have spent my time volunteering reading up on WWI and understanding the truth about it. I've found that the museum presents the information of the war honestly and dynamically.
In all my time spent at this museum, I have to disagree with Carrie H. about her assessment that the museum is too propagandist. The way the museum is set up is chronologically to present the information: the first half is the European war, the Allies war and the second half is the American involvement in the war. It is an American museum, and important to tell the American version of the war as well as the European and Australian story.
Although the decision for America to join the war was decisive in the Allied victory over Germany in the late summer and early fall of 1918 (the addition of the American units allowed English and French soldiers to finally swell the front lines and push Germany back into its own country), I found no such blunt material that would suggest that the Allies in Europe were not praised for their arduous involvement as well. The museum has several large graphs depicting the scale of troops of all the countries involved, the vast deaths of the English, French, Australian, Japanese and Italian soldiers, charts of the billions of dollars and pounds spent over the four year and three month war.
The museum's representation of the material is unbiased, truly - it simply presents the horrors of this war, bluntly and to the point - I would know because I am sensitive to obvious bias, I spent years writing in journalism and believe information should be clear and truthful.
Although my brother is in the war, that does not muddle my opinion of this museum as a whole - I can logically understand that it is an honest description of both the European and American war efforts. The museum is sure to become the national museum as long as the bill is passed in Washington (if the government knows what's good for it - proclaiming the Liberty Memorial's museum as the national museum would cost the government nothing because it's already been constructed out of the Missouri taxpayer's money. The alternative would be spending millions on a new one in DC.)
I am especially moved by the last room in the museum that displays several screens showing two motion-changing digital photos (when you walk past, it changes from one photo to the next). The first show moving and telling quotes about the unstable ends of this war and predicting the future of the world and as you move past, it reveals in the second slide the individual who said it - it is absolutely chilling.
Every week I walk through the museum, I find something I hadn't noticed before and as a history buff, it always manages to suck me in for hours. -
Review from ann s.
Sioux Falls, SD
9/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
Thanks to the previous reviews here on Yelp we were prepared to spend at least half the day here!! Thanks everyone for the heads up....
We are big fans of history so, therefore, big fans of museums. Some are good, some not so but we always feel like we've gotten our monies worth if we learn something. Well, we definately got our monies worth here.
Starting with the eager to help docents who greeted us to the very well done displays and movies, to the equally eager docents located throughout the displays this museum is by far one of the best we've been to.
The $12 entry fee includes entrance into the museum, the two wings of the Liberty Memorial as well as a trip to the top of the tower - which is worth doing!
Finally, here's an insider tip: On Wednesday's the entry price is two for one. Enjoy! -
Review from Liz C.
Iowa City, IA
8/5/2011
One of the best museums I've been to, and as a museum professional I go to a lot. Tons of interactive exhibits, very cool reflection alcoves, & don't miss Exhibit and Memory Halls. Something for everyone, adults & kids alike. I wish I could give this museum more stars.
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Review from Jon K.
Kansas City, MO
7/28/2010 3 photos
A really thorough look at WWI. We spent three hours here and didn't even go up the tower. Lots of detail to be immersed in -- if you wish. I was really impressed with the displays and use of various media. Do not miss the two memorial halls above the museum. Their 1920s decor are worth checking out -- as are the impressive murals salvaged from a cyclorama. This truly unique museum is a jewel Kansas City should be proud of.
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Review from L. matt H.
Kansas City, MO
12/27/2008
I'm not even a war history buff but this place amazed me. Great artifacts combined with just the right amount of detailed reading to inform but not bore...and their recreations are amazing.
Don't forget to take a trip to the top of the tower for some of the best views of KC.
A must do for tourists...even if they aren't interested in war history.
