The National World War II Museum located in Downtown New Orleans offers an all encompassing look at the U.S. role in World War II and the veterans who fought in the four year long struggle. It focuses particularly on the Battle of Normandy and D-Day and aims to convey the war experiences from an American perspective. The United States Congress designated this as the National World War II Museum in 2003.
The museum campus with several large exhibit buildings is filled with rare and interesting artefacts from the war. The largest building is the U.S. Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center. This pavilion houses a rare collection of WWII aircraft, including many fighters, transports and bombers, the most famous of which is the B-17 Flying Fortress. A fascinating look at submarine warfare is also featured. The USS Tang Submarine Experience takes visitors through the events of its last battle and the challenges faced by underwater warfare.
Exhibits portray the struggles and everyday life of the enlisted men as well as an account of the difficulties and worries faced by the allied leaders. The sacrifices of the veterans are told through letters, personal affects and stories putting this long and difficult war into vivid perspective. The museum and its excellent facilities continue to expand with a $320 million expansion project underway. This will quadruple the size of the campus and add even more state-of-the-art exhibits and programs.
The museum is located about 10 blocks south of the French Quarter. Follow Decatur Street past Canal Street. This is where Magazine Street begins. From here it is just a couple minutes by car or a short walk of twenty five minutes or so.
