The John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion features glass exterior walls that allow the public a permanent, behind-the-scenes view of the restoration and preservation of priceless WWII artifacts. New to the pavilion is the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Innovation Gallery, which focuses on how problems were solved during World War II through ingenuity and innovation. The pavilion, which housed PT-305 during its restoration, now provides a family-friendly gallery for science-based learning and close-up exploration, and houses several of the Museum's macro-artifacts.
Read the full story of PT-305 and its decade-long restoration at pt305.org.
STEM INNOVATION GALLERY
About John E. Kushner
A native New Orleanian, John E. Kushner was an ardent enthusiast of WWII history, and donated several valuable items to the Museum’s collection of wartime artifacts—including a WWII jeep similar to the one his father, Jack Kushner, had driven during his service. John believed in the importance of educating future generations about the values and lessons of World War II, and was instrumental in securing the original Museum site. He was one of the initial Trustees of the Museum—serving in that capacity from 1997 until his untimely passing in 2005. Kushner had a particular affinity for collecting and restoring artifacts. The Museum’s John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion provides an exceptional space for Museum staff and volunteers to carry on this important activity.
A very special thanks to our Kushner Restoration Pavilion Donors
The John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion was funded in part by the Office of the Secretary of Commerce, Economic Development Administration.
The National WWII Museum would like to acknowledge the generosity of John Kushner’s family and friends who have contributed to the completion of the John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion in his honor:
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Canizaro
Coya and Frank Levy
H. Britton Sanderford
Mr. and Mrs. Judah Hertz
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Smith Lupo
Richard and Toni Bachmann
Terri and John Havens
Scott and Leslie Jacobs
Robert Newman Family
Mr. and Mrs. Rick S. Rees
Andrew and Barbara Rosenberg
Merritt and Elly Lane
In Honor of Calvin C. Fayard Sr.
Tripp and Heidi Friedler
Valentino Family
Barbara Kushner and Family
Laitram LLC
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Lapeyre Jr.
Russell Palmer
David R. Sherman
Michael J. Siegel Steve and Donna Stumpf
Robert E. Talbot
Transoceanic Development
Jimmy & Lillian Maurin
Museum Campus
John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion
Explore The Campus
Museum Campus Guide-
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion
The Louisiana Memorial Pavilion exhibits take visitors into the monumental efforts on the Home Front and to the beaches of Normandy—focusing on the thousands of men and women who made Allied victory in World War II possible.
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Campaigns of Courage
In a war where the terrain was as deadly as the enemy, this pavilion tells the story of American servicemembers abroad—and how they overcame unprecedented challenges on multiple fronts to win victory in World War II. In over 19,000 square feet of exhibit space, two extraordinary exhibitions bring visitors inside the epic story of the war in its most infamous settings, bringing to life jungles, beaches, mountains, and oceans in 19 immersive galleries.
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Solomon Victory Theater
The Solomon Victory Theater is home to Beyond All Boundaries, a 4D cinematic experience produced exclusively for The National WWII Museum by Tom Hanks—who narrates the film—and Phil Hettema.
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Hall of Democracy
The Hall of Democracy represents the center of the Museum’s expanding educational outreach initiatives—providing a space that will enable the institution to share its collections, oral histories, research, and expertise with audiences across the world.
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US Freedom Pavilion
In World War II—the war that changed the world—freedom hung in the balance. Americans answered the call to protect that freedom with 16 million men and women serving in uniform and an untold number of citizens of all ages doing their part on the Home Front. In US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, we honor their contributions.
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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.
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John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion
The John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion features glass exterior walls that allow the public a permanent, behind-the-scenes view of the restoration and preservation of priceless WWII artifacts. New to the pavilion is the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Innovation Gallery, which focuses on how problems were solved during World War II through ingenuity and innovation.
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Founders Plaza
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.
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Bollinger Canopy of Peace
The soaring Bollinger Canopy of Peace, set to stand 150 feet tall, will unify the Museum's diverse campus and establish the Museum as a fixture on the New Orleans skyline.
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Liberation Pavilion
Three building levels will explore the closing months of the war and immediate postwar years, concluding with an explanation of links to our lives today.
