National World War I Museum and Memorial

2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA

Address:	2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Phone:	+1 816-888-8100
Site:	theworldwar.org
Rating:	4.8
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Helen Adams

A sobering reminder of the Great War and the sacrifice of the men who fought on the cusp of modern warfare. From the beautiful entrance fountain to the rotating exhibits in the original museum hall, this museum does a wonderful job of telling a story that is rapidly fading from our national consciousness. Starting with a prologue and movie, the museum walks the visitor through the entanglements that drew the globe into the first mechanized war in history. A timeline of events wraps the central theater, placing the exhibits in context while a lifesize diorama of the trench on the outside tries to depict the challenges faced by the fighting men. Between are exhibits that show not only the military aspect of the war, but also the impact on civilians and the contributions of women. There are also areas for additional exploration featuring digital interactive displays and audio booths where you can hear voices echoing from the past. The two halves of the museum are connected by a full scale diorama and media presentation which overview the conditions and movements during the war. The first half tells the story of escalation and stagnation, focusing on the time before the United States entered the conflict. After the diorama, the story focuses on the contributions of the USA and its impact on the war. We had an afternoon to explore this gem, and I wish we had a full weekend. The interactive and multimedia presentations do an excellent job of bringing history to life and are well worth the price of admission. This is a must-see attraction in the Kansas City region.

Bridget Woulfe

I have always loved visiting this museum as a child, especially on field trips! Now as an adult, I still find enjoyment and something new with every visit. Not to mention it has the best view of Kansas City. However, it is not my love of the museum that prompted this post. I recently discovered that both of my grandmothers spent a significant amount of time at the Memorial when they were around my age. Knowing this, I have taken them each on a separate occasions. This place is so willing and ready to help the elderly. Both of my grandmothers have difficulty walk, being 89 and 95, and the museum has made itself so accessible to people of all ages. From golf cart rides to the front doors, to free wheelchair rentals, and the always pleasant staff, my grandmothers have been treated with the upmost respect and care. Not to mention they were able to see the city and enjoy a monument that they frequently visited in their youth! I loved the WWI Memorial and Museum before, but after these experiences I am a champion for it! Do not let a lack of mobility allow anyone from not enjoying every aspect of this Monument!

A Private User

As a military service member, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the National World War I Museum. Our visit coincided with Memorial Day 2010, so in addition to the well done ceremony honoring veterans and those having served, there was an incredible display of vehicles and military gear and equipment on the front lawn. Now as for the museum, I believe this is the best representation of the past I have ever experienced. From a 15-minute multi-media production to interactive computer screen panels to reflection rooms that included period specific poetry recordings, music, etc., the whole World War I Museum was top-notch! The Gift Shop included a vast array of books and memorabilia, capturing the world class nature of the entire operation. Finally, the volunteers throughout the exhibits possessed a reverent and vibrant spirit in sharing the history and life of those remembered. I recommend a visit by every age young and old to this fine Liberty Monument, truly a national treasure to engage sooner rather than later!!! (bonus: entrance is free for visitors with military identification)

Blue Star Mama2017

My mind is boggled by the folks who think this place is overpriced. $16 for a ticket whose procceds directly fund the museum? Discounts for almost everone else? Come up prople, most of you would drop that much on lunch without blunking an eye. Perspective people, perspective. Its a humbling, haunting place to visit but my main issue is eith the fact that so many people had backpacks and none of them were checked. PLEASE, please take security much more seriously. We were there yesterday and there were hundreds of people milling about and not one bit of security anywhere. If you need disabled parking, drive up to the top of the museum where there is a special, large parking lot for all blue cards. I would not visit again on a holiday, it was madness. There is a small cafe, a place to rent scooters for those who need them and plenty of benches to sit and rest. Visit the large, main museum before you hit the smaller ones or the tower. Bring your water bottle and snacks for the kids.

Scott DeLong

On Sunday last I went, along with a friend to the National World War I museum at the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, MO. Frankly, I wasnt really too interested in visiting due to my hatred of war and I never really found World War I all that interesting. I am happy to report that my opinion changed greatly due to the marvelous presentations and exhibits at this remarkable museum. I learned a great deal about the background leading up to the Great War and the munitions, methods and costs of the same. While this experience helped me to understand why this war occurred, it did nothing but strengthen my opposition to war in virtually all circumstances. The exhibits are exceptionally well done. Beginning with the year 1914 you walk through the periods of the war by year first as experienced by the countries of Europe and finally by the US. Marvelous. I highly recommend this place for anyone of any disposition about armed conflict.

Ross Vick

The World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri is a World Class exhibit and historical cornerstone for this mostly forgotten part of American history. It rivals the World War II Museum in New Orleans and pound for pound rivals Smithsonian exhibits in Washington D.C.. For some reason, that as many as 85,000 Americans were killed in combat or died of their wounds in battle over a period of time touching on seven months does not resonate with Americans today. As shocking as it must have been in 1918, our culture and society would not tolerate such a slaughter, the magnitude of the pain and suffering of that time and place is incomprehensible. Learning about that war through the auspices of this wonderful resource will help anyone understand how much the world has changed since 1914. Everything from the museum store to the living history component of this institution is top shelf and should be on everyones bucket list.

Raymond Perry

24 million people died. Think about that. 24 million dead. 9 million combatants, 15 million civilians, the vast majority from exposure, infection, or starvation. Europe lost an entire generation. The single 1-star reviewer said "This museum is for people who do not know much about history of WWI." Quick show of hands, who knew 24 million died? I dare say, few people these days know much about WWI. I do not claim to be a student of history, but I am humbled by the sacrifice of the fighting men and women of all wars. My grandfather was wounded in WWI, and a great uncle was gassed and was never the same. During the Civil War, William Tecumseh Sherman said "War is hell." From the Civil War to WWI not much had changed. If anything, war was worse. Everyone American should visit this museum, the National World War II museum, the Vietnam Memorial and every other reminder that "War is Hell."