The National WWII Museum

By Angela Ash

Now, I will admit that I tend to like a museum more than the average person.  Yes, it is quite possible that I may also be the one holding up the line because I feel the need to read every word on every plaque.  (That IS why they are there!)  Obviously, I have been to a lot of museums.  However, when I find myself in New Orleans for only one day, this is where you will find me! 

The National WWII Museum is a sprawling monstrosity full of just about anything you might possibly wish to see from the WWII era.  In short, it is breathtakingly amazing, and TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site, agrees.  In fact, they ranked the National WWII Museum the #1 attraction in bustling New Orleans, the #4 museum in the country, and the #11 museum in the entire world! 

While the website suggests at least a three hour window to experience the museum, I personally think they are just attempting to be humble.  I witnessed a woman wandering out of the museum, completely coming back to reality and finding that she had missed a heavy rainstorm, a bit of thunder, and her bus back to the Quarter.  And she didn't mind a bit. 

And it isn't difficult to see why.  With multiple buildings packed with interactive exhibits, airplanes, tanks, weapons, personal correspondence, true life stories, and some of the best visualizations I have ever experienced... Sure, I'll miss the bus, as well. 

Your journey begins in a train car, where visitors will set up their own identity, which may be a soldier or civilian.  They can then follow this person's story throughout several stations, where they may inevitably discover the final outcome for their historic character. 

Snaking through the brilliant Road To Berlin exhibit should be the highlight of any historian's day.  This newest pavilion illustrates the struggle that the Axis powers overcame to bring freedom to all of Europe in an eye-opening, interactive way that provides a "step into my world" sort of experience. 

However, if you wish to get even a little more "hands on", then participation in the Final Mission: The USS Tang Experience is a MUST!  This interactive mission puts visitors about the USS Tang on their final war patrol.  Each member of the "crew" must perform certain duties, an immersive illustration of what those aboard may have seen, heard, smelled, and felt. 

And if you have heard rave reviews about Beyond All Boundaries, then you heard right!  Narrated by executive producer Tom Hanks, this 4D journey into the war is something that will amaze, empower, and entertain all who witness it. 

Now, when you visit the National WWII Museum, chances are you will definitely spend the entire day.  In fact, you'll probably camp out on the lawn, ready to start again the following morning.  So surely you will be hungry before, after, or during all of this excitement.  But never fear!  You can satisfy your appetite and still never leave the premises. 

The American Sector is serving up lunch and dinner for all of the museum guests, plus for the folks who just come because the food is THAT good!  With a flavor-packed menu to offer diners just about anything they might be in the mood for, this place is just about as popular as the museum itself.

With soups and salads that can be meals in their own right, patrons may choose between the Gumbo and Caesar or Cobb salads.  The Fried Gulf Oyster Salad seems to be a favorite... always made fresh. 

The lunch menu also offers a selection of Flatbreads, ranging from Duck Confit to House-Smoked Salmon.  With sandwiches like the Gulf Shrimp Po-Boy and the Grilled Barbeque Chicken, any palette can be tempted. 

But where the American Sector truly excels is with their burgers.  Deliciously seasoned and grilled to perfection, the options include the Victory, the Smoke House, the Blackened Blue, and the White Bean.  Served with a basket of crispy fries, these HAVE to be some of the city's best. 

And if you're around for dinner, expect some of the favorites off the lunch menu, along with entrees like Black Pepper Encrusted Ribeye, Shrimp 'N' Grits, and Bacon Braised Duck. 

While I could rave for days about everything that forces an intake of breath within this museum property, the National WWII museum must be experienced in all of its glory in person, preferably more than once. 

For more information on the National WWII Museum, check them out online or call (504) 528-1944.