The National WWII Museum

Consistently ranked among the best museums in the United States — a sweeping, immersive telling of the American experience in World War II, right in New Orleans.

In short: The National WWII Museum is a seven-acre, seven-pavilion campus in the Warehouse District. Plan a half-day (3–4 hours), or a full day if you're a history enthusiast. It's open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Buy tickets ahead, and don't miss the new Liberation Pavilion.

Why it's special

Founded in 2000 (originally as the D-Day Museum), it's the United States' official national museum of World War II, telling the story through personal accounts, restored aircraft and vehicles, recreated battle settings, and immersive multimedia. It's regularly rated one of the top museums in the country — and one of New Orleans' essential non-French Quarter experiences. New Orleans was chosen as the home because the Higgins boats used in the D-Day landings were designed and built here.

The pavilions

Louisiana Memorial Pavilion — the entry pavilion, with the "D-Day Invasion of Normandy" exhibit and a look at the war on the Home Front.
Campaigns of Courage — two immersive walk-through exhibits: "Road to Tokyo" (the Pacific) and "Road to Berlin" (Europe), recreating actual battle settings.
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center — restored WWII aircraft suspended overhead (including a B-17E Flying Fortress), plus tanks and vehicles.
Liberation Pavilion — the museum's newest addition, exploring the war's aftermath: the postwar world, war-crimes trials, the rise of the U.S. as a superpower, and the war's lasting legacies.

How much time to plan

A focused visit takes about 3–4 hours; serious history buffs can easily spend a full day. If you only have a half-day, prioritize the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, Campaigns of Courage, and the Liberation Pavilion. The optional "Beyond All Boundaries" film (narrated by Tom Hanks) and the submarine experience are popular add-ons.

Hours & visiting tips

Hours: open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Mardi Gras Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day).
Buy tickets in advance, especially in peak season, and arrive early to beat crowds.
It's in the Warehouse/CBD area, about a 15–20 minute walk from the French Quarter.
There's a lot of reading and walking — wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself.
The campus has on-site dining, so you can make a half- or full-day of it without leaving.

Get tickets

Check live ticket availability and skip-the-line options.

Frequently asked questions

How long do you need at the National WWII Museum?

Plan about 3 to 4 hours for a focused visit, or a full day if you're a history enthusiast. With limited time, prioritize the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, Campaigns of Courage, and the Liberation Pavilion.

What are the hours?

Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Mardi Gras Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Why is the WWII museum in New Orleans?

Because the Higgins boats used in the D-Day landings were designed and built in New Orleans. The museum opened in 2000 as the D-Day Museum and grew into the national WWII museum.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes — it's consistently ranked among the best museums in the U.S. and is one of the city's top experiences beyond the French Quarter.