Following the renovation of the new Lower Level, exciting upgrades to the Main Gallery and other spaces will continue through 2025. These renovations will not only upgrade technology and tell new and interesting narratives from WWI, they will create a richer and more immersive visitor experience.
The Museum and Memorial began collecting in 1920 shortly after the Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918. Today, it is the most comprehensive collection of WWI artifacts in the world and continues to grow as objects representing nations from across the globe are added almost weekly. The coming upgrades are the most expansive changes to the Main Gallery since opening in 2006.
The Museum and Memorial will remain open during all phases of construction and anticipate that the guest impact will be minimal.
Early Sept. 2023–early Oct. 2023
Prologue: Grand Illusions
This gallery complements the Museum’s orientation film “Grand Illusions” that sets the stage for the onset of war. A map-based interactive brings a global perspective to the gallery where visitors can learn about different empires and view their strategic alliances. A media frieze will provide a new opportunity to showcase the civilian men, women and children worldwide who would soon experience the defining catastrophe of the 20th century.
Interactive Touch Tables
Four new interactive touch tables will be installed in the East Study of the Main Gallery, each with a unique program covering four topics – aircraft, communications, maritime and uniforms – with the overarching theme of wartime innovations.
Early Oct. 2023–early Nov. 2023
America Mobilizes
This gallery covers the story of America’s great mobilization for the war, letting guests develop a personal connection to the American citizens joining the war effort in 1917. The refreshed space will heavily emphasize American patriotism with familiar stars and stripes iconography, placing the visitor in a unified environment and setting the stage for more provocative stories of dissent told through curated content and objects.
While this gallery is closed, learn about America's mobilization:
U.S. Enters the War
Filling the Ranks
Educator Resources
Rapid Fire video shorts
Move 'Em Out and Bon Voyage
This display depicts draft mules pulling the Museum’s caisson artifact accompanied by their handler. The handler and the animals will appear struggling through deep mud, feet and hooves disappearing into the muck. A graphic mural and two interactive displays will help visitors understand that animals played an integral part in war efforts on all sides and suffered alongside their human compatriots throughout the war.
As phased construction continues into 2025, the Museum and Memorial will remain open and guest impact is anticipated to be minimal. The next phase of the project, “Into the Trenches” opening in late spring 2024, will recreate the trench experience and allow guests to step inside the displays and immerse themselves in different settings. Two new films will focus on what was supposed to be a short victory and the advent of modern warfare.
Thank you for your patience and excitement as these improvements are made – the upgrades are a vital piece in ensuring that stories of the Great War and its enduring impact will be shared for generations to come.