National WWII Museum

The Basics

Opened in 2000, and originally called the National D-Day Museum, the National WWII Museum takes an immersive look at wartime life and the input the United States Armed Forces had in the Allied victory. Visitors have the chance to dine in 1940s style at BB’s Stage Door Canteen, see restored fighter planes and tanks, and even experience a thrilling ride on Lake Pontchartrain onboard a restored PT boat, the same type of craft that was used in the Normandy landings.

If you’re touring independently, prebook admission so you can skip the line upon arrival. For an extended day trip, you can combine a visit to the museum with a citywide private tour that includes air-conditioned transport.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The museum is wheelchair accessible.

• Discounted admission tickets are available for children, seniors, students, and military personnel; WWII veterans can visit for free.

• The museum is very large, so plan the exhibits you want to see ahead of time to get the most out of your visit.

How to Get There

The National WWII Museum is located at 945 Magazine Street in New Orleans’ Warehouse District, just off Lee Circle. The historic St. Charles streetcar (Line 12) runs in front of the museum—the closest stop is Lee Circle. Paid parking is available on-site. Alternatively, you can visit the museum as part of a private city tour that includes transfers to and from your accommodation.

When to Get There

The museum is open every day from 9am–5pm, except for Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The museum is busiest in the early afternoon, so plan to get there early to have plenty of space to explore.

Enjoy a Classic New Orleans Jazz Brunch

Start off your day in the “Big Easy” with a New Orleans-style jazz brunch in one of the city’s famous restaurants. You’ll enjoy traditional Creole dishes, such as shrimp étouffée and jambalaya, while local musicians serenade you with toe-tapping tunes. You can prebook your brunch experience ahead of time for the best prices and the best tables.

Ways to explore

Opened in 2000, and originally called the National D-Day Museum, the National WWII Museum is one of New Orleans’ top attractions. Set aside at least a few hours to experience it all, such as the collection’s restored fighter planes and tanks, the Beyond All Boundaries 4D experience, and the 1940s style of a meal at BB’s Stage Door Canteen. Different guided tours and experiences can be reserved in advance.

Prebook admission to the museum to skip the line and save time. For an extended day trip, combine your visit with a citywide private tour that includes air-conditioned transportation.

Accessibility

The National WWII Museum is accessible to wheelchair users, and manual wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional accommodations are provided for visitors with other disabilities.

Age limits

None, but some exhibitions may display content that is distressing for young children, so use discretion.

What to pack

Water bottle, small handheld bag, camera

What to wear

Wear comfortable clothing for sightseeing, plus good walking shoes—don’t forget layers, since the galleries can be chilly.

Not allowed

Pets, consuming food or drinks in exhibition areas, flash photography or video recordings, disruptive or disrespectful behavior

Amenities

Coat check and lockers, restaurants, restrooms, gift shops

Address

The National WWII Museum is in New Orleans’ Warehouse District. To get there, use local streetcars or buses, drive yourself, opt for taxis or rideshare services, or choose a tour that includes transportation.

Driving

The National WWII Museum is located off US Route 90, and easy to reach from elsewhere in the city. The museum has a paid parking garage on Magazine Street.

Public transportation

Hop on a streetcar such as the Rampart-Loyola Line or the St. Charles Line. Union Passenger Terminal, the city’s main train station, is nearby, and local buses are an option, too.

Best times to visit

The National WWII Museum is open daily, from mid-morning until early evening. Arrive early to make the most of your day.

Best days to visit

Expect weekends and holidays to be busier at the museum, so aim for a weekday instead.

Best months to visit

The museum is rewarding to visit throughout the year. Note that it’s closed on holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Mardi Gras.

Special events

Talks, live performances, and temporary exhibitions take place at the museum year-round, so check the calendar before your visit.