New Orleans, September 9, 2025
The National WWII Museum in New Orleans offers a rich, immersive experience for visitors wanting to learn about World War II history. Located in the Arts & Warehouse District, the museum features interactive exhibits, essential visitor information, and practical tips for maximizing your experience. Discover where to buy tickets, the cost of admission, and tips for visiting, including accessibility options and nearby attractions.
Big News for Local Explorers: Your No-Nonsense Guide to The National WWII Museum in New Orleans
Alright, NOLA — listen up. If you’ve been meaning to take a deep-dive into World War II history without getting lost in dry factoids, this guide will get you there fast and smart. Located in the heart of the Arts & Warehouse District, the museum offers a stacked lineup of immersive exhibits, interactive experiences, and ways to stretch a single visit into a full-day memory. This is the scoop from someone who knows the city streets and the quickest routes from the Quarter.
Where to Go and When
The museum sits at 945 Magazine Street. Doors open daily at 9:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. It is closed on Mardi Gras Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, so plan around those dates. If you’re heading out from downtown or uptown, Magazine Street is an easy ride — but expect weekend traffic and event crowds during festival season.
What It Costs
Ticket prices are straightforward: Adult admission is $35. Discounts apply for seniors, students, kids, and military personnel. Veterans from WWII visit for free. There are optional add-ons like the immersive cinematic experience and extra theater programs for around $11 each. If you want to linger, grab the Second-Day Pass for about $11 so you can spread the tour across two days.
Parking and Getting There
If you drive, the official parking garage is at 1024 Magazine Street. It’s the most convenient spot — walking distance to the main entrance. Rideshare drops are common on the side streets; just be ready for occasional event congestion. If you live in the city, hopping on a short streetcar or cab ride beats circling for an open spot in busy hours.
Must-See Exhibits (Yes, They’re Worth It)
The campus is big and designed for slow exploration. Key attractions include dramatic multi-floor pavilions on the European and Pacific campaigns, a specialized submarine experience that recreates a final mission, and a three-story pavilion that tackles the aftermath and the realities discovered at the end of the war. There’s also a multimedia theater experience that uses film and special effects to pull you into the story — a popular add-on for visitors who want an emotional, cinematic hit beyond the galleries.
Practical Tips From a Local
- Go early on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds. Mornings are calmest, though school groups sometimes fill the halls.
- Buy timed-entry tickets or book online to skip lines and lock in the add-on theater times you want.
- Dress for humidity — New Orleans summers are hot. Comfortable shoes and a water bottle make a long visit much easier.
- Plan food breaks — there’s an on-site restaurant and a soda shop if you need a quick refuel without leaving the campus.
- Take the second-day pass if you want to see everything without rushing. The displays are dense and emotional; it’s fine to split it up.
Accessibility and Family Notes
The museum is equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible parking spaces. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Compact strollers are allowed. Photography without flash is permitted in many galleries, so bring your phone but keep the flash off. Interactive exhibits include AI-driven features that let visitors engage with recorded veterans and historical voices in a conversational format — a modern twist that works well for curious teens and adults alike.
Timing, Weather, and Nearby Fun
New Orleans weather can change fast. Expect hot, humid days and occasional thunderstorms, especially in summer. If the forecast shows scattered afternoon storms, plan your outdoor walks in the morning and give yourself cushion time for travel. The museum sits close to hotels, restaurants, and other cultural stops in the Arts & Warehouse District — plenty to pair with a museum day if you want to build an itinerary.
Events and Special Programs
The museum marks military anniversaries and remembrance days with special programming. If you’re here for a holiday like Memorial Day or Veterans Day, expect commemorations and possibly larger crowds. Guided tours and behind-the-scenes options are available for those who want a deeper historical dive — ask about private or small-group tours when you buy tickets.
FAQ
Do I need to reserve tickets ahead of time?
Reservations are recommended. Timed tickets help you get into the theater experiences you want and reduce waiting when the museum is busy.
How long should I plan to stay?
Plan at least 2–4 hours for a solid visit. If you want to see everything, including the extra theaters and interactive features, consider spreading your visit across two days with a second-day pass.
Is parking available?
Yes. The official parking garage is on Magazine Street near the museum. Rideshare and taxis are convenient alternatives, especially on event days.
Are there discounts for locals?
There are discounts for seniors, students, children, and military personnel. WWII veterans and museum members can enter for free. Check ticket options for the best fit.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes. The campus includes elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, and wheelchairs available on a first-come basis.
Quick Reference Chart: Key Features
| Feature | What to Know | Cost / Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Main Campus Admission | Full access to galleries and main exhibits | $35 adult; discounts for groups and veterans |
| Theater & 4D Experience | Immersive cinematic programming — buy timed tickets | About $11 add-on |
| Second-Day Pass | Return the next day to finish your tour | About $11 |
| Parking | Official garage on Magazine Street; rideshare options | Pay at garage; rideshare recommended on busy days |
| Accessibility | Elevators, ramps, wheelchairs on request | Free access features; reserve aid early if needed |
There you have it — a sharp, local-centered primer that gets you in and out without missing the big moments. Whether you’re a neighborhood regular, a family planning an educational day, or a visitor pairing the museum with beignets and a streetcar ride, this place is set up to deliver history up close. Pack some water, buy a timed ticket, and give yourself room to feel the story — the displays are built to stick with you long after you leave Magazine Street.
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Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
