Museum pays tribute to historic battle with special art exhibit, free public programming and educational travel tours in Normandy

On the 75th anniversary of VE-Day, a historian reflects on the destiny averted and greater historical meaning of the Allies’ victory over Nazi Germany.

To unify the campus and create a formal entry to Museum grounds, The National WWII Museum has completed a dramatic new Founders Plaza, which spans Andrew Higgins Drive between Camp and Magazine Streets. The Plaza creates an impressive entryway to the institution’s grounds, safe passage for guests, and a pleasant setting for rest and reflection as part of the visitor experience. On January 26, during a private ceremony, the Museum will dedicate the Plaza and unveil the Horatio Alger Association American Spirit Bridge.

The Hollywood Canteen, which had been in operation since October 1942, closed its doors after one last hurrah on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1945. In all, more than 3,000 volunteers, many famous stars among them, had welcomed and entertained nearly four million servicemen and women.

The National WWII Museum today announced it has been recognized as a winner in the 2017 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ awards for museums, ranking  No.2 in the world and No.2 in the nation – up from No.11 in world and No.4 in the nation last year. Other winners include The Metropolitan Museum of Art (No.1 in the nation), Art Institute of Chicago (No.3 in the nation), The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum (No.4 in the nation) and USS Midway Museum (No.5 in the nation).