NEW ORLEANS (Feb. 18, 2026) — To ensure its campus continues to provide a world-class experience for future visitors, The National WWII Museum will begin major renovations to modernize its original flagship exhibit, The D-Day Invasion of Normandy, on Feb. 25. The comprehensive project, which will transform the exhibit to tell the story of the Normandy landings in a more immersive, interactive and engaging way, is expected to be completed in 2027 in time for the 83rd anniversary of D-Day.
Feb. 24 will be the final day to experience the original exhibit before renovations begin.
The D-Day Invasion of Normandy debuted over 25 years ago as the main exhibition of The National D-Day Museum (now The National WWII Museum) and remains the Museum’s only permanent exhibit dedicated to one battle. Across 8,000 square feet, the exhibit’s two galleries explore what the Allies faced in Normandy, from the comprehensive preparations to the daunting challenges troops encountered once they landed on the beaches and in the hedgerows. At its heart are the artifacts and stories of individual troops who participated in the invasion, putting a human face to one of the most decisive days of World War II.
“The D-Day Invasion of Normandy is a beloved and foundational part of the Museum experience that has brought June 6, 1944, to life for millions of visitors,” said Stephen J. Watson, Museum President & CEO. “This major renovation will ensure we continue to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who participated in the Normandy Campaign, and it underscores how central the story of D-Day is, and has always been, to the Museum’s mission.”
The renovated exhibit will explore the Normandy landings in even greater depth, expanding to four galleries with a clearer, more accessible narrative that takes visitors through the planning, landings and aftermath of D-Day. Innovative storytelling, new immersive environments, technologically advanced multimedia and interactive elements, fresh scholarship and newly displayed artifacts acquired over the past 25 years will bring the scale and complexity of Operation Overlord into even sharper focus. Staying true to the spirit of the original exhibit, compelling firsthand accounts and oral histories from veterans and other members of the WWII generation will be integrated throughout the exhibit, deepening understanding of the invasion’s human cost.
To elevate The D-Day Invasion of Normandy to the experiential level of its newer permanent exhibits, the Museum will partner with renowned design firm Gallagher & Associates, the creative force behind the Museum’s existing immersive galleries.
“This renovation is an opportunity to strengthen the way we present the story of D-Day,” said Erin Clancey, Museum Associate Vice President of Collections and Exhibits. “By drawing more fully on the Museum’s collection of artifacts and firsthand oral histories, we can create a more direct connection between our visitors and the individuals who experienced the invasion. Visitors will still encounter familiar touchstones from the original exhibit, alongside powerful artifacts and stories collected over the past 25 years that bring new depth to this history. At its core, this exhibit is about people — and about understanding the scale, sacrifice, and significance of what unfolded on June 6, 1944.”
The renovation marks the second major campus improvement project since the Museum launched its $300 million Victory’s Promise campaign in June 2025, following the remastering of its 4D cinematic experience, Beyond All Boundaries. The 10-year comprehensive fundraising effort is aimed at expanding the institution’s educational impact and renewing its commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of the WWII generation.
The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, the institution celebrates the American spirit, teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front. For more information on Tripadvisor’s #1 New Orleans attraction, call 877-813-3329 or 504-528-1944 or visit nationalww2museum.org.