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The National World War II Museum
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
945 Magazine StNew Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 528-1944
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
126 reviews for The National World War II Museum
Review Highlights
"The movie "Beyond all boundaries" was great as well."
(in 19 reviews)
"The D-Day Museum is hands down fantastic."
(in 21 reviews)
"I found the WWII museum thanks to Yelp."
(in 45 reviews)
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126 reviews in English
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Review from Sunil R.
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Initially I was not that impressed when I walked in and had to climb some stairs and a a small sign that said "go right for the tour to start" or something like that. But BOY, was I wrong and by the time I walked out, I was IMPRESSED and felt humbled.
Man, there were some brave people in the 40s. The sheer magnitude and bravery below me away. Who knows where the world would be right now if the USA did not enter the war when it did? The nation really united and did some amazing things. I learned a LOT and have a ton of appreciation for our vets.
The 4D movie was incredible. From the subject to the awesome use of unique special efforts, it was very very impressive.
Overall, I am HUGE fan! -
Review from Kat S.
Seaside, FL
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
This was my second visit here and I absolutely adore it.
Students and active military are $9
military in uniform are free.
Lots of enlisted army the day we went.
Huge area about the Philippines, and you really learn how why and what won this war. Its really awesome.
Across the street is another gift shop and they sell 1940's dresses. I almost bought two... i shouldve bought two. I got a navy blue one. :)Listed in: 29 is super fine in noLA
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Review from Anne M.
Chicago, IL
12/31/2011
Loved the Beyond Borders movie by Tom Hanks. Gives a great history of the war, builds patriotism, brings a tear (or more) to your eye, and makes you proud to be an American. Don't pass up the movie.
The museum was also very good. Very informative and filled with emotion stirring photos. I would have liked to see more artifacts.
I love the fact that military veterans volunteer here. They are proud of this museum and willing to answer your questions.
Be sure to check out the soda shop next door! The vanilla bean latte is fabulous (real vanilla beans!)
On Sundays, there is swing dancing at the museum! -
Review from Nancy K.
Cleveland, OH
2/8/2012
This is one of the best museums I have ever visited. It was thorough, interactive and interesting. Two things missing from their recapturing of World War II: any mention of the role and importance of Native American Code Talkers and any mention of Japanese internment camps.
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Review from Alice L.
Daly City, CA
12/23/2011
Wow! Pleasantly surprised...
"Why would the National WW2 museum be in NOLA?" one might ask. Well...after a visit to the WW Second museum, you can answer that for yourself! I know I can!
For $18 I was able to fill in the major gaps my high school social studies teacher, Mr. Gallagher, shamefully created. It was beautifully curated in a flowing narrative explaining not only the political and strategic elements of this war, but also the human impact of everyone involved. It didn't over do it on the aspects we all know about already, like Pearl Harbor or the dropping of the nuclear bombs. It explained the complexity of D-Day, which I'm embarrassed to say, I knew little to nothing about prior to this.
Overall, it was money well spent and you'd want to allow about three hours to leisurely get through with time to process the materials you're seeing.
But please, please heed this word of advice: LEAVE YOUR YOUNG CHILDREN AT HOME, FOR THE SAKE OF THEIR SANITY, YOURS', and that of other patrons. You may love your child, but my tolerance for their screaming and yelling and "mommy let's gggooooooo" wanes when I'm pondering the cruelty of the Japanese soldiers beheading someone. Why someone bring their brood of under 6 year olds to this brutally graphic and serious exhibition is beyond me. Let's hear it for the under qualified parents of the year... -
Review from Kristina K.
Silver Spring, MD
12/23/2011
To say the least, I am not a big history buff. In fact, I rather avoid historical readings and--perhaps like more than just a few Americans--can only be bribed to learn about such events through popular representations in historical fiction as often shown on the silver screen or premium cable channels. However, the National World War II Museum certainly impressed! With interesting, enticing descriptions, and just the right amount of videos, I could have spent several more hours than we did learning about this intriguing time period.
A note to visitors: other than the airplane hangar and the exhibits directly up the stairs overlooking these metal birds, there is a whole other humongous section up a different set of stairs near the snack shop. Our group spent a bit too long at the first area so had to somewhat rush through the rest: don't make the same error. And here I thought spending less time in a war museum would be a good thing!
Although the tickets for the museum are already pricey enough, I do suggest that future visitors splurge on the movie. Not only are the theater seats very comfy for tired tourist legs but it is quite the experience with rocking seats, flashes of light, and various other effects. Wow! Even as an adult I thought this to be marvelous. Definitely worth a visit. -
Review from William S.
Los Angeles, CA
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Informative museum about what our country had to go through to rise from the 18th (in arms services) position worldwide, in the middle of a world depression to come through for the world and change history. My parents lived through and were affected by World War II (the invasion of the Japanese in Asia) so this was a very poignant walkthrough and museum for me. The presence of WWII veterans there was also amazing and I was very thankful to speak with some of them. It was a unique experience to hear from someone who was actually defending oppressed countries in Europe and Asia. It wasn't just defending the United States, our country was tasked with a losing situation: saving so many countries from the grips of untold and horrible oppressors and had to mobilize very quickly.
The layout of the museum is a bit weird, lots of stairs. They should let in a certain amount of visitors per floor so that one does not feel crowded reading the placards and going through the audiobooths. I am appreciative that this museum documented the racial divide and how African Americans were mistreated yet participated to defend our country. There is movie narrated by Tom Hanks is a must see which encapsulates the experiences of our soldiers during the war.
Finally, the museum IMO is one-sided. I wish they had also interviewed, captured and recorded accounts from people in Asia and Europe, people who were conquered and oppressed, so we can understand the horror, destruction and devastation these people went through. I also wanted to hear more about the African American experience in World War II. There are an ungodly number of people who would like to express their thanks, my parents from Asia for two, and Im sure countless others who are eternally grateful to what Americans did during WWII. I think hearing everyone's accounts would round out the user experience at this museum. The United States managed an impossible feat and came through for the world during those times and had we lost, the world would be a much different place today.
I will always support this museum and other ventures that help educate our country about oppression, the war and slavery. The National World War II Museum needs to grow and evolve, Im glad we finally have a museum that documents this historical atrocity. -
Review from Vanessa M.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
My fiance is really into history, so I put on my game face and went with him to the WWII museum. He saw the movie and said it was really good. (I just wasn't interested in it.) First off, I love the fact that the museum gives WWII vets free admission and other military and ex-military a heavy discount. We went to the museum on a random Thursday in October and there were quite a few "old-timers" going through the exhibits.
There is a ton of information in this museum. At times it got really overwhelming. Every picture or piece of memorabilia had 2-3 paragraphs accompany it. I was interested in most of it, but when we got to the exhibits about the Japanese, I just kind of got turned off. I understand that the museum exhibits presents themselves as pro-America, but it would have been nice to see the other perspectives. Plus, by that point, we read through so much information, we got tired of reading.
Overall, I think it's a good museum, just not great. I would encourage people to see it though, because WWII is such a big part of our history.Listed in: Patterns of Human Activity, Experiencing NOLA
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Review from Ka'ili H.
12/8/2011
Getting to this Museum was a feat in itself. It was a sweaty hot and humid day in New Orleans and my sister, niece, and I got off at a wrong stop on our way here. We ended up stopping two and a half miles away from this museum and made our slow and somewhat treacherous trek to the museum. With our goal of watching "Beyond All Boundaries," a 4D experience, we kept walking and walking...and walking.
By the time we got to the museum shop, we were almost drenched and so thankful to be in AC. We waited in line to buy our tickets to the movie, and a few other people entered after us. The ladies at the cashier desk weren't very friendly. They didn't smile, nor did they greet us or ask us if we needed help with anything when we walked in. When we finally got our tickets the lady told us the movie is across the street. (We only got tickets for the movie, not the museum.) There was an event going on when we got there and all these military vehicles were on display and a bunch of veteran's were there, which was really cool!
However, when we walked into the museum, LOST, this nice old man asked us if we needed help. He then told us that the movie was across the street, from where we came from! Just around the back near the military cannon machine. Thanks lady at the front desk, we just needed a little detour into the museum I suppose. When you walk into the theater side, there's a large souvenir shop to the right. They have some pretty neat stuff for the history buff in you. We even got souvenir white sailor's caps!! VERY COOL!
Now to the movie,
this movie, in 4D-- meaning the chairs shake, snow falls, planes come down from the ceiling. It's a really great experience. It's a great way to enlighten your children, teens, or young adults about World War II. What started it, what happened, etc. I would recommend this movie to everyone I know. It's touching and really really well made. So if you're in new orleans, do make a trip down to this museum and to see this movie. It's worth it and something you'll always be glad you went to.
And that trek? Worth every single step. =)
Yelp 365 Challenge: 74/ 365 "The Trek" -
Review from Cay T.
Houston, TX
1/3/2012
This is for the 4D film, "Beyond All Boundaries". See this film alongside veteran visitors and feel humbled and grateful for their service to our country! It was about 50 minutes start to finish, but felt more like 30. Would see it again in an instant.
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Review from Jennifer B.
New Orleans, LA
9/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
My fiance enjoys historical stuff much, much more than myself, but we both enjoyed our first trip to the WW2 museum. I found a lot of it to be kind of dry - mostly due to the generic presentation of the information, as others have commented on. Artifact/map/photo and a huge block of text. Then again, I don't have any suggestion for a "better" way to do it, so the WW2 museum still gets 5 stars. There is a LOT of information to fit into this place.
I appreciate that they have free admission for WW2 Vets, as well as a heavily discounted admission price for Military (active, reserve, retired all included, according to the price chart at the ticket booth). Oh, and there is a Student discount, and kids under 5 get in for free.
Please, don't bring your kid under 5 to the museum... unless they are extremely quiet. Mine isn't quiet. We figured there would possibly be something to interest her, but there really wasn't. She's 2, so she is far too young to comprehend what she's looking at. Everything is in black and white (obviously), so she wasn't interested in the photos... and that may have been a good thing, since some of the photos would be quite disturbing for young kids. I hated being "that parent" with the somewhat noisy/cranky child. Luckily, she fell asleep part way through the 2nd exhibit that we looked at, and was quiet while we looked at everything else.
For adults, the WW2 museum is fabulous. It's educational, and full of neat artifacts to check out. There are short films with more info, and personal interviews/stories, throughout the museum.
Definitely check out the Soda Shoppe and/or American Sector for a drink and some food. You won't be disappointed with any portion of your visit here. -
Review from casey m.
New Orleans, LA
9/20/2011
I have mixed feelings about the WWII museum.
The place is immaculate, just as a museum should be. The displays are crisp and nice to look at. The memorabilia is plentiful and worthy to see. In this aspect it's a wonderful museum- a place to preserve, respect, and display history. I also had a chance to see the 4D flick- Beyond All Boundaries, which was, if anything else, very entertaining- kind if like a ride at Universal.
My problem with the museum is the tone. The main tone of the museum is pride, adventure, and excitement towards war. I feel as though I am walking through a blockbuster movie about WWII, glorifying it's every aspect. 70 MILLION people died in WWII. 70 MILLION, and while they make the number very clear (especially in Beyond all Boundaries), it is in a thrilling "oooohhh that is a big number!" sort of way. I just hate the idea of glorifying war. This is in no disrespect to the soldiers. If anything, I want to feel the pain, feel the boredom, fell the anguish and the hopelessness I'm sure these soldiers felt throughout the war. Also WWII was a WORLD WAR. I am aware that this museum is in America- and focuses on America, but it would still be nice to have a more comprehensive view of the war. The museum made me feel as though it was America vs the rest of the world.
I lived in the middle east for a period of my life, and the war museums they have there really do a better job at capturing war-like times, I actually cried in some of those museums. I wanted to feel empathetic; I wanted to feel sad at the WWII museum; but I didn't. I guess the museum is a big tourist pull, and nobody wants to bum out a tourist, especially in New Orleans. -
Review from Rebecca P.
New Orleans, LA
9/17/2011
To me, the perfect WWII Museum experience would include seeing the documentary in the "4D" Victory Theater across the street. It's an amazing show, (Beyond All Boundries) narrated by Tom Hanks and presented with a 3-D screen, seat shaking, structures coming out of the ground and from the ceiling. An hour long, it's the perfect intro for those of us that have a few years since our last American history class, to really help you connect with what you'll be seeing in the museum itself.
As far as the museum, it's well laid out and beautifully presented, with an ever-changing rotation of special features and exhibits. I highly suggest giving yourself at least the afternoon to explore... running through in an hour or two reduces everything to a blur. The volunteer staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, so feel free to ask questions or even just start up a conversation.
I've heard numerous complaints from people with small chlidren, regarding the graphic nature of the film/museum. Understandable... mostly because 60 million lives were lost. This is a museum dedicated to WWII. There is nothing overly gorey or purposely disturbing, but it does present the facts, and as a parent you'll need to judge if those facts are age-approriate for your kids.
All in all, a wonderful and poignant experience. -
Review from Stephanie L.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Do the movie plus the museum. I learned more here than I did in AP US History. 'nuff said.
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Review from Lauren L.
Augusta, GA
9/20/2011
I took a group of 25 older adults to the WWII Museum, and it garnered rave reviews from everyone. The only complaint I got was they wished they could have spent more time there (I had us booked for 2 1/2 hours).
We started with a box lunch in one of their meeting rooms. I tried to get reservations in the restaurant (it's a John Besh restaurant), but they were all booked for a big museum event. I was worried about the box lunch because I always plan a nice sit-down lunch, but it was delicious, and it was great for us to have maximum time in the museum. The only thing I would complain about was the meeting room and price of drinks. The room was definitely a meeting room and was empty except for round tables and the table with the boxes of lunch. The box lunch came with bottled water, but most of my group like iced tea or soft drinks. A gallon of tea is $36! and soft drinks were equally expensive. So, unfortunately, we stuck with bottled water.
Some saw the movie, and others only went through the museum. I wanted to see the museum so I skipped the movie. I heard from the ones who went, and they loved it. Most of my group had been somehow affected by the war, and truly enjoyed seeing the museum, even if it was very heavy and very somber. Even for us younger folks, the museum was so interesting and eye opening because it goes into much more detail that our history books did. It's definitely a different way to spend an afternoon in New Orleans, but totally worth the visit. -
Review from Jamie L.
San Jose, CA
12/20/2011
One of my favorite stops in NOLA! We got the 4D experience plus the museum - definitely worth it! Learned so much :) We spent about 2 hrs in the museum but I would have spent more if I could.
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Review from Eileen Z.
7/24/2011 ROTD 9/28/2011
For my 300th review I really pondered what I was going to write about. This one is special to me on a personal level and hence will be my 300th in honor of my grandfather.
I was able to come here with my family and my grandfather who is a WWII vet. The experience, needless to say, was something I will always treasure. To have past present and future generations of our family share in the visit and have my grandfather tell tales of his experiences during the war was priceless. He actually guided us through the museum. The people at the museum treated him with honor, and he was given a special beautiful wallet and a few other items in appreciation for serving our country from the museum.
I am sure plenty of people enjoy visiting here for the history but it really went to another level to go with someone who was actually in the war. He showed us on maps where exactly he was for parts of the war and one of the planes hanging from the ceiling in the entrance exhibit area was one he had on his carrier. There were several exhibits and artifacts he could relate to and it was just absolutely wonderful for him to share the memories with us. There were several emotional moments for him and us during our visit.
The exhibits are wonderful and very informative and you could easily spend an entire day here soaking in the history. The museum breaks down the war into the timelines and also the geography of events that happened. There is a beautiful gift shop and a theatre. You can also walk across the street and dine at the American Sector.
This museum really is something everyone should experience.Listed in: Kid Friendly Stuff!
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Review from Diana R.
Baton Rouge, LA
1/8/2012
Planned on spending a couple of hours. Ended up spending 4 hours and we could have stayed longer. Will definitely go back to finish seeing the exhibits and movie
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Review from Lisa B.
Harvey, LA
7/19/2011
I did not expect to be as mesmerized by the exhibits in this museum. It takes more than 1 day to read & watch all that this museum has to offer. We arrived just after opening at 9 am, and I was not through the main exhibit when the museum closed at 5 pm. The only time I took away from the exhibits was a 60-90 minute lunch at the American Sector (reservations highly recommended!).
I had no time to watch any of the films in either the Malcolm S. Forbes Theater or the Solomon Victory Theater.
It wasn't til I got home that I learned that we could have paid an extra $5 to have a second day at the museum. If you want to get the most out of this museum without feeling rushed, I definitely suggest paying the $5 for a second day.
I am not a parent, but personally, I would not take children to this museum.
Some of the photos are very disturbing, and the bored kids who act up disturb those of us trying to take in the details being displayed before us.
I will be back!Listed in: Culture Vultures
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Review from Karol M.
8/2/2011
Since several of my relatives were WWII vets, I have always been interested in learning more about this war, and I thought I understood it pretty well. After a half day at this museum, I can say that I understand a great deal more.
The exhibits are set up in a visual timeline, with maps, artifacts, and detailed displays along with written explanations. They have actual planes, jeeps, and full uniforms & artifacts displayed along the way. Every so often, there is a mini-theatre alcove where you can stop and watch archival footage or filmed interviews of actual war participants. These are priceless. I wasn't sure our kids (12 & 15) would be interested enough to stay involved, but they surprised us. I have never seen them so engrossed in a museum.
We took a break and went over to the theatre across the street to see Beyond Boundaries, the 4-D film that you can pay an extra $3-5 to see. That capped the experience for me. By the end, the place was silent, and patrons were visibly moved. The most sobering moment for me was the simulated atomic bomb explosion, complete with flash, rumbling floor & seats, and rush of hot wind & sound.
I have a new appreciation for this generation, and for the country we were in the 1940s. I highly recommend seeing the film (maybe even first) and planning to see all the exhibits. A full day at this museum seems to be in order. -
Review from Mike C.
Lone Tree, CO
12/6/2011
Very cool museum! I learned quite a bit from what was presented. I only did the exhibit portion and kind of regret not seeing the movie. Admission is a bit pricey, I think $19 for movie and exhibit. If youre a student, military, senior, or kiddo, its considerably less.
I was staying in a B&B over on Prytania St in the garden district and just walked over there. It might be 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile. Might not do it at night by myself but its definitely ok during the day. -
Review from Mary S.
The movie which was 5 years in the making, narrated by Tom Hanks (hottie) was outstanding. You must experience it.
Words can't describe, this was a global conflict that resulted in more deaths than any other war. They do a really outstanding job displaying artifacts and information. I was usually daydreaming about making out with Jon O'flanagan during History class so it was refreshing to get an update on this Historical event. -
Review from Preston V.
Timpson, TX
8/8/2011
This is a wonderful museum, that is growing. Going to the museum and not seeing the movie would be foolish.
As some others have stated the museum does have narrow passageways.
My wife and I visited on a recent trip to New Orleans, we spent the better part of one day and half of another in the museum. The cost is not cheap, ($19 adult, $9 student, or w/ movie $24, $12) so rushing through in even the 3 hours would be tough for people who want to really experience the museum.
Just some notes of though:
-If you are taking young kids this might be a good day to take the stroller and let them nap as you enjoy the museum.
-This is the national WWII Museum, it will be from a view point of the USA
-As this is a growing museum, some of the space is narrow, try to go on a less busy day.
-There are tours offered, (including a PT boat they are rebuilding), I would recommend taking one
-The people with the volunteer badges on, really do want to help you, talk with you, answer questions, and help you enjoy you time. -
Review from Brad P.
5/24/2011
AMERICA! FUCK YEAH!!
Seriously though, this museum rules. The volunteer guides are awesome. I have to give special props to Maj. He was giving an amazing lesson on German defenses that I was totally eavesdropping on and kept returning to over and over. I also took a tour on spies and I learned some really neat stuff. I won't spoil any of it because I'd just be explaining it poorly.
Highlights for me were:
- The mounds of archival footage, available in little booths that are narrated by the words of regular schmucks who were caught up in the war.
- Ample propaganda posters, which rule because they show an amazing fusion of talented art and political aim.
- The guides, who appear to be mostly ex-military, are legitimately passionate about hanging out all day and talking about war.
The 4-D movie is...OK. It is a really surface-level WWII history lesson with a fine dose of Disney-World-esque special effects and a few cups of jingoism. It is fine if you are traveling with young people but I would've rather spent that extra time in the museum. You should go see it if you have to keep your kids quiet or you aren't already familiar with the fact that Tom Hanks really likes World War II. -
Review from Kellee K.
10/12/2011
We started with the "Beyond All Boundaries" film. It's 4D, between that and the collection of actual accounts it was really well done. We walked over to the museum and walked the exhibits. It's has a nice layout with a mix of storyboards, short films, audio and artifacts. Towards the end we passed a WWII vet that was visiting, overhearing his accounts was chilling. The museum is great reminder of the challenges our country faced and what we were able to overcome, and all that was sacrificed for the freedoms we have today. We were the youngest visitors by far. That saddened me.
Listed in: Travels... New Orleans
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Review from Anthony K.
Jacksonville, NC
11/27/2011
5 stars IF you see the movie. Aboslutely amazing experience. Quite moving filmwork. I suggest walking to cochon butcher for lunch and walking to nola glassworks afterward.
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Review from brunho j.
Salt Lake City, UT
11/18/2011
Very well done, highly informative a bit pricy, but worth it. They are trying to expand the museum so its priced a bit higher than it should be, if you are in NOLA make sure you drop by and support.
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Review from Neil S.
Orange, CA
8/29/2011
I had a great experience @ the National World War II Museum. They have a little film narrated by Tom Hanks and it was really good. I can still remember some of it today, and I went over a year ago. There was a WWII vet there that had a special spot assigned for him and I went up to him after the film and thanked him and told him that both my grandfather's fought in the war.
I bought a DDay Remembered ($10) and a Battle of the Bulge ($19.95) DVD for my father.
I remember walking through the museum, checking out the guns and weapons and uniforms from the war. Being that both my grandfather's fought in WWII, this museum meant a lot to me. Only over in Normandy, France, did I see anything similar to this. -
Review from Anetalya V.
New Orleans, LA
7/13/2011
The D-Day Museum is hands down fantastic. The movie will bring tears to your eyes, and the exhibits are attention grabbing, very informative and well organized. I recently visited with my parents, Dad being a Vietnam Vet (Grandpa being a WW2 Vet, partaking in Normandy) it was nice to have the maps and film footage which my father could explain to me where my grandfather was - what he did and when. That was all invaluable.
My only complaint, and this is out of hurt, is that the museum does not allow discounts for all veterans. I was able to get a discount for myself because of my safe, military office job today, yet my dad who risked his life serving in the 1960's did not. I really wish they would honor all veterans, everyday - only reason I took a star off.
You can easily spend all afternoon here, don't try to see it all in a rush, so much to see, read and watch. I especially like when D-day vets are invited to talk about some of the equipment on display in the foyer, you'll hear some of the best stories and meet some wonderful people. -
Review from Leigh S.
Metairie, LA
4/30/2011
Like most museums, this one commands reverence as soon as you enter it.
I immediately felt pride swell in me. And the volunteers are mainly Vets, it's truly remarkable.
The exhibits are not overwhelming, but laid out well. Overall, it does require a good bit of reading for understanding. But the purpose of a museum is to educate, is it not? I love it.
There are several actual war relics on display: planes, jeeps...and you really can get a feel for what their travel conditions must have been like. Not that the military currently travels in the lap of luxury, but it's amazing what one can endure to fulfill something he/she believes in.
I can't wait o go back to see the most current exhibit. Anytime I need a lesson in humility, I think this could be my place.
Thank you for all you do. -
Review from Brian D.
9/8/2011
This is probably the best $10 you can spend in New Orleans. Unlike other places you can visit here, your'e a smarter, better person for having gone. Not particularly kid-friendly, but not really unfriendly either.
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Review from Lyn P.
3/27/2011
I'm a sucker for history museums and made a conscious effort to visit here while in NOLA. The exhibits take you through both the European and Asian fronts and are well balanced with artifacts and news reels. If you have any personal ties to WWII or are the type of person who gets emotional listening to personal stories, it may be overwhelming for you.
There is a separate admission price for the museum and the theatre across the street. Also, you can donate an extra $10 to pay for a veteran's admission, which I was glad to do. -
Review from Devo R.
Upland, CA
6/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very moving. Took WWII from macro to micro for me.
Worth the 3 hours it takes. -
Review from Meg G.
New Orleans, LA
6/21/2011
Go see the movie... If you don't have time to tour the entire musuem at least stop by to see the Tom Hanks film. I'm a chick and not real into the war themed musuems, but this will blow you away. The American Sector's happy hour after the movie will too :)
Very well put together, clean, and educational. Great job WW2 staff! -
Review from Smitcha B.
Los Angeles, CA
11/27/2010 12 photos
When and if you're ever in New Orleans, be sure to check out The National World War II Museum. Whether you are a WWII buff like myself or you just don't know too much about the the great war and this time period, this museum will open your eyes and inform you of the countless events that occured in the world during this time frame.
There are tons and tons of stuff to read. There's no possible way you can get through the entire place while reading everything in under than 2-3 hours. Be sure to set aside a few hours just for your visit. For you non reader types, there's plenty of graphic images, models, videos, and occasionally some WWII vets are on location to tell their real life stories during the war.
I highly recommending watching their brand spanking new 4D movie, "Beyond All Boundaries." This one is practically a must. Tom Hanks has his hands in this production. If you've enjoyed movies like Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers, then you already know this is going to be legit. I would suggest to watch this movie first before your walk about the museum. It will get you zeroed in and bring you up to speed with the whole WWII events. It will definitely psych up your kids.
General admission for the museum + the 4D movie combo is about $18 or so. You're allowed to snap pictures but without the flash. This was my second visit to the museum and if I was to return to NOLA again, I plan on coming back to the museum for my third visit. After your experience, you will and should have a profound appreciation for all those who have suffered/sacrificed through WWII. -
Review from Vivian J.
12/5/2010
THIS PLACE ABSOLUTELY DESERVES 5 STARS. If you don't give it 5 stars, what the #$@! are you looking for in a historical museum??? Especially one that so capably and enjoyably covers the war from an American p.o.v. from the beginning until the end? More chairs for sitting??? More stuffed animals at the gift shop???
I'm a history buff, but my boyfriend isn't, but we went there on a Saturday afternoon, and the only reason why we left 3-4 hours later was because we were hungry! This is the most comprehensive historical museum I've been to, and it has something for EVERYBODY. When we walked in, they had live music from a navy band playing, which just set a great mood to such an immersive experience. Also, one of the people at the museum was kind enough to let us know what was the best way to take in the museum, which helped a lot.
The exhibits are extremely organized, walking you through the different aspects of the war, including the causes, the social repurcussions on the home front, the different war strategies, and profiles of the various leaders of the war. I was a history major in college, but this was not only a refresher to all my old history facts, but it taught me the fascinating details or history that make history a collection of millions of different experiences united by a massive world event. Also, the various quotes by the different participants and victims of the war by the different exhibits of weapons, clothes, letters, etc., made it such an immersive experience that it made you feel the war on a more personal level.
Also, the museum was very up-to-date on its technology. It would show you digital war plans that showed you exactly how Normandy was planned and executed, it had videos and interviews with people who were involved, and they had awesome 10-15 minute shorts that covered the causes, resolution, battles, etc., so when you came out you felt like you had a good grasp on the war.
There were definitely very sobering accounts of the atrocities and the pain of the war, but I appreciated that they didn't dumb down or sugar coat these aspects. This museum is top-notch and knows what it's doing. -
Review from Shercole K.
New Orleans, LA
11/29/2010 2 photos
I recently attended a special event here and it was awesome. I had an chance to experience the Stage Door Canteen and the Theater. Let me first say... THE APPETIZERS... Omg I could sit there all night eating those appetizers, those were everything right in the world, everything right with food, everything appetizers should be. Mini reubens, shrimp remoulade, mac n cheese balls, it was a lot; I can't remember them all but it was great. The waiters were awesome and kept them coming. Great open bar. I love the Stage Door Canteen; very intimate setting.
The theater is awesome... those chairs I could sit in for the rest of my life they were wonderful and comfy and enjoyed the viewing of Music Voyager. I had a great time for this special event. I have to definitely go back soon during regular hours!Listed in: Volunteer Dream Team
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Review from Derek R.
Destin, FL
2/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
We finally went after hearing so many good things about this museum.
And we were not disappointed.
The museum is top notch!
While there you really should see the show Beyond All Boundaries narrated by Tom Hanks. It was spectacular!
The whole experience is a lot to absorb in a single visit.
It really hits home the fact that WWII was a total war and that the entire country was involved in the campaign to achieve victory.
The experience also really makes you appreciate what freedoms we have in this country and how much everyone sacrificed in order for us to be here today.
Very moving experience!
Highly recommend! -
Review from Sarah M.
4/9/2011
Incredible museum... Limited in scope, of course, but instead of a mile-wide and an inch-deep, less material is covered in depth. The focus on the human side is notable; the 2-minute narratives are really telling and many rooms feature quotes from the people who experienced it. We know what they wore, what they carried around, how they felt and how they fought. Walking through the first half is a pretty great build-up to the climax of D-Day where we get a glimpse of what was running through Eisenhower's mind and how he finally decides. I also loved the propaganda, the focus on women, and the inclusion of local contributions.
They don't lie about it taking at least 2 hours though; we showed up a little less than two hours before closing and did not get to finish. Finish up at American Sector--you were probably gifted a rare treat in the CBD: free parking after 3 at the adjacent lot... might as well take advantage. -
Review from David P.
2/21/2011
I am endlessly fascinated by WWII, so I thought I'd really love this museum. It was super crowded and the halls, especially in the Europe part of the exhibit, seemed too narrow to handle the masses. I enjoyed the Pacific section more. The best part is the main lobby, which features several vehicles* and WWII-era planes. That part of the museum is free. I suggest you see that and save your money. Or, perhaps go on a weekday and avoid the crowds.
*(Higgins boat landing crafts were built in New Orleans.)
