The National WWII Museum
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
The National WWII Museum offers an unparalleled, immersive, and emotionally profound journey into World War II, focusing on personal stories of courage, sacrifice, and the extensive historical context. It's more than a typical museum, providing a deep educational experience that aims to leave a lasting emotional mark and instill lessons for future generations.
Key Highlights
- ✓Extensive exhibits covering both European/African and Pacific campaigns of WWII, including special exhibits on lesser-known global areas.
- ✓Exhibits are vivid, emotional, and narrative-driven, bringing to life personal stories of soldiers, nurses, pilots, and home front workers.
- ✓Opportunity to meet and hear stories from veteran volunteers (e.g., Al & Rick), who provide 'living links' to the legacy on display.
- ✓Features a high-sensory show, 'Beyond All Boundaries,' curated for an extraordinary immersive experience.
- ✓Facilities are exceptionally clean and maintained to high standards, including very clean bathrooms.
- ✓Well-preserved artifacts are displayed with reverence, telling the story of the war effectively.
- ✓Includes patriotic entertainment such as the 'Victory Belles' and evening shows like 'Expressions'.
- ✓Provides extensive and vast education on the war and its impact.
Standout Features
- ⭐Exceptionally clean and well-maintained facilities, including highly praised bathrooms.
- ⭐Dedicated and knowledgeable staff and volunteers, including actual WWII veterans who share personal insights.
- ⭐Immersive and narrative-driven exhibits that focus on storytelling and personal sacrifices.
- ⭐Availability of additional movies and high-sensory shows for a deeper understanding.
- ⭐Unique live performances like the Victory Belles contribute to the overall experience.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Allocate a minimum of a full day for your visit; consider purchasing a multi-day pass or planning for two separate visits to fully experience all exhibits and shows at a leisurely pace.
- →Inquire about additional fees for specific movies or shows (like 'Beyond All Boundaries' or 'Expressions') and factor them into your budget and schedule.
- →Plan to stay for evening shows, such as 'Expressions,' and performances like the Victory Belles.
- →Prepare to engage with children about the serious and emotional themes of war, sacrifice, and duty, as the museum is designed to explain history's impact.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Some movies and special shows (e.g., 'Beyond All Boundaries') require an additional fee beyond general admission, which is not specified in price.
- ⚠The museum requires a significant time commitment; visitors recommend allocating a full day, with some suggesting two days, which may be challenging for families with limited time or young children's attention spans.
Price & Value
While specific prices are not mentioned, the museum is described as an 'extraordinary experience' and 'definitely a fantastic museum that's worth visiting.' General admission covers extensive main exhibits, but some movies and special shows incur an 'additional fee.' The overall consensus suggests high value for the money, given the depth of education and emotional impact.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accommodations for special needs are mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No information regarding outside food, onsite dining options, or specific food policies is mentioned in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •No information regarding parking facilities or costs is mentioned in the reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •No direct mention of crowd levels or busy times. One reviewer notes that 'patrons are very respectful of the property,' which suggests a generally orderly atmosphere.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety measures are mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families looking for a quick, casual museum visit, as the experience demands significant time and engagement.
- • Families with very young children (under 8-10 years old) who may find the content too intense, the themes too complex, or the duration too long without specific age-appropriate activities.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
General Admission
Starting at $26Access to all exhibit buildings including any current special exhibits and the USS Tang Submarine Experience.
Includes:
- •Access to all exhibits
- •USS Tang Submarine Experience (included in General Admission)
Essentials Package
Starting at $35Combines general admission with the Beyond All Boundaries cinematic experience.
Includes:
- •Access to all exhibits
- •Beyond All Boundaries 4D cinematic experience
Best Value Package
Starting at $38Combines general admission with both add-on cinematic experiences.
Includes:
- •Access to all exhibits
- •Beyond All Boundaries 4D cinematic experience
- •NEW Freedom Theater experience
Guided Tour Package
Starting at $59Includes general admission, the Freedom Theater, and a small group guided tour.
Includes:
- •Access to all exhibits
- •NEW Freedom Theater experience
- •2-hour small group guided tour through our exhibits (Choose from: Museum Highlights, Home Front, Europe & Pacific)
Guided Tour & Two-Day Package
Starting at $83Extended visit with guided tour and all cinematic add-ons.
Includes:
- •Access to all exhibits
- •Beyond All Boundaries 4D cinematic experience
- •NEW Freedom Theater experience
- •2-hour small group guided tour through our exhibits (Choose from: Home Front, Europe & Pacific, or Museum Highlights)
- •A Second-Day Pass for an additional day to explore our galleries
Into The Vault Experience
Starting at $251Duration: 2 hours
A curator-led presentation inside the Museum’s private artifact vault.
Includes:
- •Access to all exhibits
- •2-hour curator-led presentation inside the Museum’s private artifact vault
Higgins Hotel Package
Prices VaryAccommodation at the on-campus hotel combined with a Museum visit.
Includes:
- •Stay at the Higgins Hotel & Conference Center on the Museum campus
- •Special rate when you package your stay with a Museum visit
Experience the Victory Tour
Prices VaryDuration: 4 nights
Multi-day guided tour package including hotel stay and various museum experiences.
Includes:
- •4-night stay at the Higgins Hotel & Conference Center
- •Guided touring in all permanent exhibits
- •Out of the Vault tour with an expert Museum guide
- •Multi-Day Museum Access
- •Special group events
Beyond All Boundaries (Add-On)
$9.00Duration: 48-minute
A 4D cinematic experience narrated by Tom Hanks.
Freedom Theater (Add-On)
$9.00Duration: 30-minute
A multimedia experience focused on the legacy of World War II.
Beyond All Boundaries/Freedom Theater Combo Ticket
$12.00Combined ticket for both cinematic add-on experiences.
Includes:
- •Beyond All Boundaries 4D cinematic experience
- •Priddy Family Foundation Freedom Theater multimedia experience
Second-Day Pass
$15.00Duration: 1 day
Allows re-entry for a second day of exploration, must be purchased within 7 days of first visit.
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Dinner with a Curator: 'When War Came to Alaska: The Battle of Attu'
October 2, 2025
Buy Tickets (price not specified)
Explore the only land battle between American and Japanese forces to take place on North American soil. Location: BB's Stage Door Canteen. Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.
The Victory Belles Illuminate the Night
October 6, 18, 20, 2025
$11–$79
An evening of 1940s tunes from the Victory Belles paired with a state-of-the-art outdoor sound and light show, Expressions of America. Location: BB's Stage Door Canteen. Times: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM.
US Navy Birthday
October 13, 2025
FREE
The US Navy will celebrate its 250th birthday. FREE admission for all active-duty and reserve members, retirees, and veterans of the US Navy.
Free Student Webinar: 'Honores y Valentía: Honor and Courage' for Hispanic Heritage Month
October 15, 2025
Free
A free student webinar to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and learn about Hispanic contributions. Location: Webinar. Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.
Victory Belles Matinee Luncheon
October 16, 22, 2025
Buy tickets (price not specified)
Enjoy a buffet lunch as the delightful Victory Belles trio perform popular and patriotic music of the 1940s. Location: BB's Stage Door Canteen. Times: 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM.
Josephine Baker: From Creole Goddess to Siren of the Resistance
October 17, 18, 19, 2025
Buy Tickets (price not specified)
New Orleans singer and entertainer Anaïs St. John brings to life Josephine Baker’s extraordinary story and wartime service. Location: BB's Stage Door Canteen. Times: 10/17 (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM), 10/18 (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM), 10/19 (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM).
🍎Food Policy
- • Only bottled water with a secure lid is allowed in the galleries.
- • Food is only allowed in the restaurants or ground level lobbies.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Visitor Code of Conduct: No rude, loud, abusive, or derogatory language/acts; no disorderly conduct (aggressive verbal/physical behavior results in removal).
- • Attire must be appropriate (no profanity, nudity, or offensive material); shirts and shoes are required.
- • Damaging or removing Museum property or artifacts is not permitted.
- • Guests cannot enter restricted areas; stanchions or other barricades cannot be removed.
- • Loitering, sleeping, or participating in unwarranted assemblies is not permitted.
- • Solicitation of any kind is prohibited on campus.
- • Photography without flash is allowed in the galleries; recording is not allowed in galleries or movies.
- • Tripods or oversized photography equipment are not allowed on campus.
- • Photography taken for advertisements or other commercial purposes is not allowed.
- • Smoking and use of electronic cigarettes is prohibited in all buildings and within 10 feet of doorways throughout campus.
- • Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Grounds.
- • Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) is not permitted on Museum property without permission.
- • Prohibited Items: Firearms (except authorized exceptions), Tasers/stun guns, Explosives, Knives with a blade longer than 3.5 inches, Alcohol or illicit drugs, Suspicious items (e.g., rolls of wire, large quantities of batteries, alarm clocks, disassembled weapons parts, items used in making improvised devices).
- • Firearms Policy: Open carry is prohibited. Concealed carry permitted for armed private security contracted by the Museum, law enforcement officers (on/off duty if concealed), and citizens with a Concealed Carry Permit (CCP) recognized by the State of Louisiana. Louisiana does NOT recognize permits from CA, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, NJ, NM, NY, OR, RI. Military veterans without an authorized CCP cannot carry concealed weapons. All visitors are required to go through security screening.
📅Booking Policy
- • Recommend purchasing tickets in advance for faster service, but onsite purchase is welcome.
- • Changes to online tickets (date of visit) can usually be accommodated in advance by calling (504) 528-1944 x 0 or emailing info@nationalww2museum.org.
- • QR code on mobile device is sufficient for entry; no need to print tickets.
- • Gift certificates for general admission are available online.
🚗Parking Information
- • Museum's parking garage: Located at 1024 Magazine Street (one-way street, garage on left).
- • Parking garage cannot accommodate motorcycles or vehicles over 6'8" tall.
- • Parking Rates: 0–1 Hours: $8; 1–3 Hours: $15; 3–7 Hours: $20; 7–12 Hours: $25; 12–24 Hours: $50.
- • Several paid surface lots in the neighborhood can accommodate oversized vehicles and motorcycles:
- • - Premium Parking Lot (corner of Camp and Andrew Higgins Street)
- • - Premium Parking Lot (corner of St. Joseph and Magazine Street)
- • - SP + Parking Lot (corner of St. Joseph and Magazine Street)
- • RV Parking: No on-campus parking for RVs, motor homes, or vehicles pulling trailers. Off-campus options: Basin St. Station, French Quarter RV Resort.
- • Bicycle Racks:
- • - Southeast corner of Magazine Street and Andrew Higgins Drive (2 Bicycle Parking Spaces)
- • - 1037 Magazine Street (8 Bicycle Parking Spaces)
- • - Corner of Magazine Street and Calliope Street (6 Bicycle Parking Spaces)
- • - Corner of Andrew Higgins Drive and Constance Street (12 Bicycle Parking Spaces)
- • Contact for parking questions: parking@nationalww2museum.org.
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Noahark WV
a week agoThe Baseline: For a museum, the displays must be relevant and engaging, the topics must be relevant to the theme, the facilities must be clean/up-kept, and the extras must educate on the topics. This is a museum that displays the sacrifice, bravery, and honor of the Greatest Generation. This museum blows the baseline away. Displays/Exhibits: The exhibits in the National WWII Museum really show off parts of the biggest war that the world has seen. Both fronts of the war were represented for the European/African and Pacific campaigns. Special Exhibits pointed out other areas of the world some may not have been as aware of. The education you get from this museum is extensive and vast. Facilities: All the facilities were clean and kept up to the highest of standards. The bathrooms were very clean and there was not any trash on the floors. The staff do a great job at keeping the museum looking great and also the patrons are very respectful of the property. There are several movies that play and that can be experienced for an additional fee. I did not have time to view during my visit but look forward to seeing this in the future. Staff: Great staff and there are several volunteers at the museum so it is great to see New Orleans come out for civic pride at this museum.
William Jacobs
2 weeks agoWalking into the WWII Museum isn’t just stepping into history—it’s stepping into the lives of men and women who gave everything to defend freedom. From the moment the doors open, you’re immersed in stories of courage, sacrifice, and survival. It’s not just about the battles fought with tanks and artillery—it’s about the battle for a way of life. The exhibits are vivid and emotional, bringing to life the faces, voices, and hearts behind the uniforms. The personal stories—of soldiers, nurses, pilots, and workers on the home front—are a humbling reminder that liberty has a price, and generations before us paid it in full. It was an absolute pleasure meeting Al & Rick, two proud veterans who now volunteer their time at the museum. Their presence added something special—living links to the legacy on display. Their humility, insight, and dedication to preserving these stories is inspiring. This museum doesn’t just educate—it leaves a mark. A reminder that history isn’t behind us—it’s a lesson we carry forward. In a time where comfort often replaces courage, this place reminds us what resilience, duty, and unity really look like. If you ever needed a reset on what really matters, walk through these halls. Let their sacrifices challenge you to live with more gratitude, purpose, and resolve.
Abhishek Bhargava
a week agoAn extraordinary experience with immersive exhibits and a high sensory show, Beyond All Boundaries. Right from the first hall, every step forward is curated to give the visitor all the required context and exposure about the war that changed the way our world operates. This is a full day tour plus some more if you're wanting to savour the whole thing at leisure. A must visit with the younger generation to better explain history as it happened and the sacrifices made by millions from an era that still holds numerous lessons for our civilization.
Mike W
3 weeks agoDefinitely a fantastic museum that's worth visiting during your stay in New Orleans! This is one of the best museums we've been to, regardless of the subject/content. The exhibits are fantastic and curated very well. The items on display are well preserved and displayed with reverence. They do a fantastic job of not just displaying things but telling the story of the war in the process. Even if you aren't a WWII buff, you will find things to enjoy here and it's an important part of the history of the United States. I strongly recommend this museum to anyone who finds themselves in the New Orleans area.
Doyle Destinations
a month agoI find myself in the unique position of not wanting to say too much. This museum is so much more than what we had envisioned. We definitely felt the presence of The Band of Brothers. Two days is absolutely necessary. The experience is so well presented. I did video my favorite part (which made us stop as we walked past the wall after we realized what it was) Check out the shows especially "Expressions" in the evening.. we loved the Victory Belles. ENJOY!