Staying Fit
Duane Lempke / National Museum of the United States Army
The only museum dedicated to telling the story of the U.S. Army opened Veterans Day 2020, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The 185,000-square-foot National Museum of the United States Army not only presents artifacts and personal accounts of service members, but it honors active-duty soldiers, veterans and civilians who worked with the Army.
"The Army is people. They are our greatest strength and our most important weapon system,” said Gen. James C. McConville, Army chief of staff. “The National Museum of the United States Army is designed to tell the compelling and heroic stories of our people and take visitors on an exciting journey through the history of the U.S. Army as told through the American soldiers’ point of view."
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Check out the museum's grounds, exhibits and tributes to those who served in America's oldest branch of the military.
Duane Lempke / National Museum of the United States Army
Welcoming visitors in the Army museum’s lobby are illuminated glass panels that represent each of the Army’s 190 campaigns and commemorative streamers. The southern end features an installation that recognizes each of the Army’s battles.
Duane Lempke / National Museum of the United States Army
The Experiential Learning Center provides immersive learning for visitors to participate in hands-on activities and work in small groups to solve an “Army humanitarian mission.”
Duane Lempke / National Museum of the United States Army
Based on the famous photograph of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive from World War I, cast figures, lighting, imagery and sounds greet visitors at the Nation Overseas Gallery.
National Museum of the United States Army
The museum’s 300-degree screen and immersive sensory elements add an extra layer of sight, sound and movement to the viewing experience. Its film, Of Noble Deeds, details what it means to be an American soldier and includes footage of current operations and recreations of some significant battles.
National Museum of the United States Army
The first temporary rotating exhibit, “The Art of Soldiering,” features pieces from the U.S. Army’s Art Collection. It depicts the experiences of soldiers from the Civil War through the present day using art produced from the front lines.
National Museum of the United States Army
The Veterans’ Hall is a multifunctional event space with a built-in sound system and audiovisual conference system.
Scott Metzler / National Museum of the United States Army
The engine from the “Black Hawk Down” helicopter shot during the Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia is one of the 1,389 artifacts housed in the museum. It was removed from the crash site and returned to the U.S. in August 2013.
Duane Lempke / National Museum of the United States Army
Overlooking the museum’s campus, the Medal of Honor Garden offers a space for visitors to learn more about those who received the nation’s highest decoration by their acts of valor.
Duane Lempke / National Museum of the United States Army
The Path of Remembrance is made of Mesabi black granite bricks that are personalized to honor soldiers, units, families, civilians who worked with the Army and museum supporters.
Duane Lempke / National Museum of the United States Army
This MC Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicle on display in the Changing World Gallery was the lead vehicle in the 2003 charge from Kuwait to Baghdad. It was essential to gaining control of several key positions such as the Baghdad International Airport.
National Museum of the United States Army
The museum’s campus covers an 84-acre site at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Free timed-entry tickets can be requested on the museum’s website, theNMUSA.org.
