The WWI Museum and Memorial debuts brand new upgrades to the main gallery as part of a phased update

America Mobilizes // Photo by Zoe Strohm

The WWI Museum and Memorial unveiled new additions to the main gallery on Nov. 7 ahead of Veterans Day.

This phase of construction follows the recent renovation to the lower level that opened in May, featuring the Berman Family Gallery and Open Storage Center, and precedes additional upgrades to the Main Gallery that will take place through 2025.

“The Main Gallery upgrades as well as the projects that will take place into 2025, are the most expansive changes to the Main Gallery since opening in 2006,” said Dr. Christopher Warren, Vice President of Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. “Guests will experience upgraded technology and new and interesting narratives from WWI that will create a richer and more immersive experience.”

Phase I of Main Gallery upgrades includes Prologue: Grand Illusions, setting the stage for war with large format media frieze to showcase empires and the everyday citizens that would be affected by war, Interactive Touch Tables with games and informational guides about wartime communications, uniforms, maritime, and aircraft, America Mobilizes which highlights America’s mobilization and impact on the war with a heavy emphasis on patriotism and Uncle Sam, and Move ‘Em Out and Bon Voyage that focuses on the impact of animals on the war efforts with two new interactive displays. 

“We wanted to make the museum more accessible to people of all ages,” says Vice President of Marketing and Guest Services Karis Erwin. “We have to keep up with the changing technology, and want kids to enjoy the experience just as much as the parents.”

As phased construction continues into 2025, the Museum and Memorial will remain open and guest impact is anticipated to be minimal. The next phase of the project, “Into the Trenches” opening in late spring 2024, will recreate the trench experience and allow guests to step inside the displays and immerse themselves in different settings. Two new films will focus on what was supposed to be a short victory and the advent of modern warfare.

To see these new additions, buy tickets online ahead of time or at the door.