Experience The National WWII Museum Like Never Before
The Museum is pleased to offer private premium experiences for your visit. Please contact the Sales Department at (504) 528-1944 x 402 for availability and pricing for these exclusive activities. Advance reservations are required.
Private Guided Tours
Explore The National WWII Museum with an official guide on a private two-hour tour of our world-class exhibits. Learn why the war was fought on the Home Front Tour, follow American citizen soldiers through both theaters of World War II on the Europe & Pacific Tour, or experience the best of the Museum's world-class exhibits and immersive galleries on the new Highlights Tour.
Subject to availability. Up to 15 guests per tour guide. Larger parties will require additional guides. Headsets will be provided.
Private Into the Vault Curator’s Collection Tour
Step inside The National WWII Museum’s private artifact vault for an intimate two-hour journey into WWII history. A Museum curator will present rarely seen items from the Museum’s Center for Collections & Archives that bring the American experience in World War II to life.
Subject to availability. Up to 12 guests.
Private Beyond the Galleries
This two-and-a-half-hour experience gives visitors the opportunity to go beyond our galleries to interact with genuine WWII artifacts from the Museum’s private Center for Collections & Archives. In addition to behind-the-scenes artifact exploration, an expert Museum guide will lead you on private tours of The Arsenal of Democracy (Home Front) exhibit and either Road to Berlin (European Theater) or Road to Tokyo (Pacific Theater) exhibit.
Subject to availability.
Private PT-305 Below Deck Tour
Head below deck in this private one-and-a-half-hour tour of the Museum’s iconic patrol torpedo boat, PT-305. Originally built in New Orleans by Higgins Industries, PT-305, nicknamed USS Sudden Jerk, was a critical asset for the US Navy during World War II, serving in Mediterranean waters. The fully restored vessel now has a new assignment—on permanent display in the Museum’s John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion. An expert Museum guide will give you an exclusive look at PT-305's deck and interior living and work spaces as you learn of her wartime crew members and tours of duty.
Subject to availability. Up to five guests.
Please review the following information before booking:
PT-305 Tour Accessibility
- Guests must be 8 years or older to tour. Guests ages 8 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for signing their waiver.
- The physical level of this tour is moderate. The ability to climb a stair ladder and to navigate small spaces is required.
- The sales team is able and willing to consult with prospective PT-305 tour guests to assess their level of mobility in relation to the tour. For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, The National WWII Museum reserves the right to remove any guest from the tour if their physical, mental, or emotional condition significantly impacts their own and/or other guests’ safety.
- Guests will be required to review and sign the PT-305 Legal Waiver before the tour begins.
PT-305 Tour Rules
These rules will be reviewed by the tour guide prior to boarding and must be observed at all times while aboard the vessel.
- Footwear Requirement: All visitors and staff must wear closed-toe shoes with secure backs. Footwear such as flip-flops, Crocs, “slides,” high heels, or similar styles is strictly prohibited. No exceptions.
- Stay with Your Guide: Visitors must remain with their assigned tour guide for the duration of the tour.
- Bags and Personal Items: Large bags may make it difficult to move about below deck. Visitors and staff should store any large bags in deck lockers before proceeding.
- Going Below Decks: When entering or exiting the interior of the vessel, visitors must face the ladder or stairway at all times.
- Three Points of Contact: Maintain at least three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) with the vessel whenever moving about.
- Do Not Operate Equipment: Visitors may not touch, operate, or manipulate any switches, buttons, or controls. Some components remain operational and could pose safety risks or damage the vessel.
- Preservation of Artifacts: The vessel contains original WWII artifacts. For preservation purposes, these items should not be touched or handled.
Experience the Victory
Enjoy a custom-curated multiday group tour to The National WWII Museum in New Orleans to explore, remember, and reflect on the war that changed the world through exclusive access to the Museum’s campus. Featuring luxury accommodations at The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center, private touring of the Museum’s galleries, behind-the-scenes artifact exploration, and more, this is a unique opportunity to experience everything our world-class institution has to offer.
Multiple departure dates available. Airfare not included.
