Javascript is not enabled.

Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.

Skip to content
Content starts here
CLOSE ×

Search

Leaving AARP.org Website

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

National Museum of the United States Army in Pictures

Check out the grounds and exhibits honoring America's oldest military branch


spinner image front entrance of the national museum of the united states army at twilight
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."

spinner image Image Alt Attribute

AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Join Now

Check out the museum's grounds, exhibits and tributes to those who served in America's oldest branch of the military.

spinner image front lobby inside the national museum of the united states army
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.

spinner image experiential learning center at the national museum of the united states army
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.”

spinner image front entrance of the national museum of the united states army at twilight
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.

spinner image theater of the new national museum of the united states army
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.

spinner image the art of soldiering exhibit at the national museum of the united states army
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.

spinner image veterans hall of the national museum of the united states army
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.

spinner image super sixty one engine from a black hawk helicopter on view at the national museum of the united states army
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.

spinner image medal of honor garden outdoors at the national museum of the united states army
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.

spinner image the path of remembrance outdoors at the national museum of the united states army
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.

spinner image an em three a two bradley fighting vehicle at the national museum of the united states army
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.

spinner image aerial shot of he national museum of the united states army
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.

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member?