Since 2004, when the Museum's $400 million capital expansion campaign started, we have seen exponential growth across our sprawling six-acre campus, which now houses five soaring pavilions with another on the way.
See our progress:
Solomon Victory Theater
In November 2009, the Museum celebrated the grand opening of the Solomon Victory Theater complex, which showcases Beyond All Boundaries, the 4D cinematic experience narrated by Tom Hanks; BB's Stage Door Canteen, which features live performances of WWII-era music and dance; and The American Sector Restaurant + Bar.
John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion
Two years later, the Museum opened the John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion, as well as the Jeri Nims Soda Shop. The Kushner Restoration Pavilion added approximately 14,000 square feet to the Museum campus, offering the public a permanent, behind-the-scenes view of the essential restoration and preservation techniques applied to priceless relics from the war years. The pavilion now also houses the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Innovation Gallery, which focuses on how problems were solved during World War II through ingenuity and innovation.
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
In January 2013, the Museum opened the spectacular US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, which celebrates the extraordinary spirit of teamwork, sacrifice, and ingenuity demonstrated by Americans in battle and on the Home Front, as well as America’s legendary production of airplanes, artillery, tanks, and other equipment that helped achieve victory.
Campaigns of Courage: European and Pacific Theaters
Opened in December 2014 and completed a year later, the Campaigns of Courage pavilion houses two immersive experiences: The Duchossois Family Road to Berlin: European Theater Galleries and the Richard C. Adkerson & Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Road to Tokyo: Pacific Theater Galleries.
Ralph E. Crump, LTJG, USNR US Merchant Marine Gallery
Also finished at the same time was the Ralph E. Crump, LTJG, USNR, US Merchant Marine Gallery, situated at the end of the American Spirit Bridge on the second floor of the Solomon Victory Theater complex. This exhibit honors the civilian merchant mariners who risked their lives transporting weapons, men, and matériel to US troops overseas.
The Arsenal of Democracy
Most recently, in June 2017, the Museum's newest permanent exhibit, The Arsenal of Democracy: The Herman and George R. Brown Salute to the Home Front, opened its doors. Telling the story of the road to war and the Home Front, The Arsenal of Democracy draws on personal narratives, evocative artifacts, and immersive environments to highlight facets of WWII-era American life.
Founders Plaza
Completed at the same time as Arsenal of Democracy, Founders Plaza creates an impressive entryway to the Museum campus, safe passage for Museum guests, and a pleasant setting for rest and reflection as part of the visitor experience.
Hall of Democracy
The Hall of Democracy helps to ensure future growth of the Museum and transformative opportunities to broaden its educational mission through new programming, scholarly research, special exhibits, distance learning, digital initiatives, and preservation efforts.
Governor Pete Wilson Liberty Flagstaff
Rising 80 feet, the Governor Pete Wilson Liberty Flagstaff—also completed in June 2017— lifts a large, illuminated US flag to a position of prominence above Founders Plaza. A US Marine and lifelong public servant, the spire that bears Wilson's name serves as an enduring symbol of the unique American spirit—unity, resolve, and devotion to the principles of freedom.
The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center
The official Hotel of The National WWII Museum, this stunning art-deco style property offers first-class accommodations, meeting spaces, and dining options providing a sophisticated lodging experience for guests.