Open today 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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Our Mission

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.

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Latest From Around The Museum

  • Article Type

    Trinity: Why It Really Mattered

    While most people are familiar with the names of “Little Boy” and “Fat Man” as the atomic weapons used over Japan, what they may not be familiar with was how different the respective technologies of each bomb were and why this difference mattered. 

  • Article Type

    'Destroyer of Worlds': The Making of an Atomic Bomb

    On July 16, 1945, the world’s first atomic bomb detonated in the New Mexican desert, releasing a level of destructive power unknown in the existence of humanity. Emitting as much energy as 21,000 tons of TNT and creating a fireball that measured roughly 2,000 feet in diameter, the first successful test of an atomic bomb, known as the Trinity Test, forever changed the history of the world.

Events & Public Programs

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Event

US Coast Guard Birthday

08/04/2025 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Mark the US Coast Guard's 235th birthday with free admission for active-duty and reserve members, retirees, and veterans of the Coast Guard.

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A PODCAST SERIES FROM THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM

1945

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, The National WWII Museum presents 1945, a new six-part podcast series that tells the story of one of the most consequential years in modern history. Episodes available weekly starting April 17.

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