“journey through the great war”
The National World War I Museum and Memorial of the United States is located in Kansas City, Missouri. Opened to the public as the Liberty Memorial museum in 1926, it was designated in 2004 by the United States Congress as America's official museum dedicated to World War I. The Museum and Memorial are managed by a non-profit organization in cooperation with the Kansas City Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners. The museum reopened to the public in December 2006 with an expanded, award-winning facility to exhibit an artifact collection that began in 1920. The National World War I Museum tells the story of the Great War and related global events from their origins before 1914 through the 1918 armistice and 1919 Paris Peace Conference. Visitors enter the exhibit space within the 32,000-square-foot facility across a glass bridge above a field of 9,000 red poppies, each one representing 1,000 combatant deaths.
Wonderful museum dedicated to WWI! Friendly and helpful staff! Get there before 3 if you plan to eat in the cafe. 😁 The exhibits were wonderful! We could have spent more time here than we did-but we were hungry. A definite must see in K.C.
This is a fascinating museum for exploring the events leading up to WWI, as well as the war itself and the end with the Treaty of Versailles. It would be of particular interest to armament aficionados. The staff was pleasant, and well-informed. Covid put a bit of a crimp on things, specifically the ability to do primary research, but the trip was well worth it in any event. I would place this on a par with the National WWII Museum in New Orleans; both are national treasures.
Crazy War, Amazing way to explain these horrific events, We went on a Wednesdays for their discount days price. The short movie presentations at the beginning and the mid point really provide context to how it started and how the US joined the war. We travelled up to the top of the tower, great view, go first, before it gets too hot.
The National World War I Museum and Memorial is the world’s leading establishment for educating and honoring the Great War. Visitors of all ages will recognize the significance of WWI and reflect on the journey so many lived and died for.
Understand the global events that led up to the Great War and develop a clear idea of America’s involvement and the fight that took place. Gaze at artifacts, interact with displays and watch short clips to feel the past in present time.
See no-man’s land, understand trench warfare, and pay your respects to the brave who served from all over the world. This is a beautiful museum with heartening lessons that can be seen and taught for all ages.
We think a visit here is one of the best things to do in Kansas City!
Very cool place to visit! Just stopped on our way from Arkansas to South Dakota / totally worth it.
Excellent and very thorough museum. It was too heavy for our 9 year old, so if you have small children who may be sensitive or anxious, use your discretion. The tower gave beautiful views all around- totally worthwhile. Food in the cafe was decent too.
Be the first to add a review to the National World War I Museum and Memorial.
National World War I Museum and Memorial
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
Parking
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
Road Trip Down US 83: The Road to Nowhere
- 36 Places
- 34:43
- 1,869 mi
A road trip along the Great River Road
- 35 Places
- 37:29
- 1,907 mi
The top things to do on a Route 66 road trip
- 41 Places
- 38:08
- 2,284 mi