ABOUT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

ABOUT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

The U.S. Army announced the National Museum of the United States Army will postpone its public opening due to COVID-19 impacting some exhibit gallery finishing work.

The Museum will open when the conditions can ensure the health and safety of Museum visitors and staff, and the Museum is ready to begin daily operations. Visit our website for more information and updates.

nma-small-logoThe National Museum of the United States Army will serve as the capstone of the Army Museum Enterprise and provide the only comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions.  The National Army Museum will celebrate the selfless service and sacrifice of over 30 million men and women who have worn the Army uniform since 1775.  The Museum will be a technological marvel incorporating the latest advances in museum exhibits while providing advanced educational opportunities that will capture the attention of visitors old and young.  As the Army’s national landmark, the Museum will honor United States Soldiers – past, present, and future – and provide an interactive educational experience explaining the Army’s role in creating and defending our nation, as well as the Army’s social initiatives and contributions for more than 240 years.

Two different Memorandums of Agreement (2009 and 2015) designated the Army Historical Foundation as the official fundraisers for the National Museum of the United States Army.  The 2015 MOA also turned over the construction and completion of the design to AHF.  Our Capital Campaign is committed to raising $200 million to build the Museum and the exterior elements (Parade Ground, Grandstand, Amphitheater, Memorial Garden, and Army Trail).  Initial site preparation began in 2016 and construction is currently underway.

The Army also established the National Museum of the United States Army Project Office to oversee the design and construction of the Museum. In September 2008, the Army selected Skidmore, Owings & Merrill of New York as the design architect and Christopher Chadbourne & Associates of Boston as the exhibit design firm.   In 2012, Eisterhold Associates Inc. assumed the exhibit planning, and Design and Production, Inc. began the exhibit fabrication. The U.S. Army will operate and maintain the Museum when it opens.  We will be responsible for all revenue-generating operations.

The National Army Museum will be located on 84 acres at Fort Belvoir, VA, less than 30 minutes south of our nation’s capital in Washington, D.C.  The main building will be approximately 185,000 square feet and display selections from the Army Art Collection, artifacts, documents, and images.  The vast majority of these rare and priceless artifacts have never been seen by the American people.  The Museum will welcome an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 visitors every year. See the Museum Design.

If you are interested in hosting a future event at the Museum or becoming a Museum volunteer, you can submit your information to be contacted when those programs have become further developed.