New Orleans: National WWII Museum Entry Ticket & Exhibits

Summary

WWII stories come alive in New Orleans museum halls

You’ll step into New Orleans’ National WWII Museum with an entry ticket that lets you wander at your own pace. Hear personal stories through interactive exhibits, see restored aircraft overhead, and maybe catch live music or a meal at BB’s Stage Door Canteen. Each hallway holds moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Hands on the cool metal railing, I watched an old veteran tracing his finger along a map in the Road to Berlin gallery. Our guide — I think her name was Denise — had just finished telling us about the Higgins boats built right here in New Orleans, which honestly made the whole thing feel closer to home than I expected. There’s this faint scent of polished wood and something like old paper in the air. The place is busy but not loud; you hear little clusters of people reading out dates or names, sometimes quietly correcting each other.

I wandered off for a bit (I get lost in museums), ended up standing under one of those planes suspended from the ceiling — it looks like it could drop right down if you sneezed too hard. The Campaigns of Courage section pulled me in longer than I planned, especially with those oral history kiosks where you can listen to real voices from the war. It’s strange how someone’s laugh, crackling through a recording from 80 years ago, can make you stop and just listen for a minute. They’ve got these interactive displays too; I tried one about rationing and did worse than I’d like to admit.

Stopped at BB’s Stage Door Canteen for lunch — retro music playing, waiters in suspenders, and I ordered something called “Victory Pie.” Not sure what was actually victorious about it but it tasted like cinnamon and nostalgia (maybe that’s just me). Denise waved as she passed by again, asking if we’d seen the restoration workshop yet. We hadn’t. That’s when I realized you could spend hours here and still miss things. So yeah, bring comfy shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore The National WWII Museum

• Enter museum with admission ticket
• Explore Campaigns of Courage exhibits
• Visit Road to Berlin galleries
• Visit Road to Tokyo galleries
• Use interactive oral-history kiosks
• View personal and digital artifacts
• Take break at American Sector Restaurant
• Enjoy entertainment at BB’s Stage Door Canteen

Top questions

How long does it take to visit the National WWII Museum?

You can spend as much time as you want; most visitors stay 2-4 hours but some spend all day.

Is there food available at the museum?

Yes, there’s an on-site restaurant (American Sector) and BB’s Stage Door Canteen offers meals and live entertainment.

Are there interactive exhibits at the museum?

Yes, there are interactive displays including oral history kiosks and hands-on activities throughout the galleries.

Is the National WWII Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the museum is fully wheelchair accessible for visitors.

What does my admission ticket include?

Your ticket includes general admission to all main exhibit areas; food and drinks are extra.

What’s included

Your day includes general admission entry to all main exhibition spaces at the National WWII Museum in downtown New Orleans; you’re free to explore immersive galleries, see on-site restoration work, and enjoy options for food or live entertainment at your own pace before heading out whenever you’re ready.