New Orleans: WWII Museum Campus Pass & 4-D Film Entry

WWII stories come alive in New Orleans with immersive film and exhibits

You’ll step right into history at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, exploring at your own pace before settling into a 4-D film that makes battles feel real — vibrating seats, cold mist, Tom Hanks’ voice guiding you through. Expect moving moments, helpful staff, and plenty of time to reflect on what you’ve seen.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Enter National WWII Museum
• Tour museum exhibits
• Watch 4-D film at Solomon Victory Theater

The Experience

You walk in and it’s not what you expect — the National WWII Museum in New Orleans feels almost too modern at first, all glass and steel. But then you catch the sound of a jazz saxophone from somewhere outside (it’s New Orleans, after all), and inside, the air smells faintly like old paper and polished metal. The ticket guy — I think his name was Marcus — handed us our passes and pointed out the Solomon Victory Theater for our Beyond All Boundaries film time. He told me to wander as much as I wanted before the movie, so I did, poking around these huge pavilions where uniforms hang behind glass and you can hear old radio broadcasts crackling softly in some corners.

The 4-D film is something else. I’m not usually big on “effects” but here, when the seats rumbled or lights flashed, it actually made my heart jump — maybe because Tom Hanks is narrating and you hear real voices from the war, not just actors. At one point there’s this cold mist that drifts over your legs during a winter battle scene; I remember glancing at my friend like, “Did you feel that too?” There were older folks in our row who sat still but watched every second; one of them wiped his eyes when it ended. Kind of hit me harder than I expected.

We wandered back through the museum after — no one rushed us. Some volunteers answered questions about a bomber engine on display (I didn’t even know how those things worked). There’s a little café if you need to sit down or just people-watch for a bit; I overheard a couple debating whether to try the bread pudding or not (they did). The whole place is wheelchair accessible — saw families with strollers too — so it feels open to anyone who wants to come learn or just be quiet for a while.

What’s included

Your day includes all-day general admission to The National WWII Museum in downtown New Orleans plus timed entry for the Beyond All Boundaries 4-D film experience at Solomon Victory Theater; everything is wheelchair accessible and families with strollers are welcome too.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by National WWII Museum

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Top questions

Is the National WWII Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible throughout the museum.

What does the Campus Pass include?

The pass includes all-day general admission to the National WWII Museum plus a timed entry to the 4-D film "Beyond All Boundaries."

Can I enter the museum before my scheduled 4-D film?

Yes, you may enter anytime before your movie time to begin touring exhibits.

Are there any age restrictions for children?

No age restrictions; infants can ride in prams or strollers but must sit on an adult’s lap during the film.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the museum campus.

Does Beyond All Boundaries have closed captioning?

No, but assisted listening devices are available upon request at Solomon Victory Theater.

Are service animals allowed inside?

Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the museum.

What are the museum's opening hours?

The museum is open Monday–Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.