US Army museum set to open in June
Travelers looking to learn about U.S. military history will have a new (and free) place to do so starting next year.
The National Museum of the United States Army – a project from the U.S. Army and the nonprofit Army Historical Foundation – will be open to the public June 4 at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The museum will be the first of its kind and aims to document the 244-year history of the Army, according to a news release, and will be free. It’s currently under construction.
Open every day except Christmas, the museum will feature everything from galleries detailing the Army’s history to an experiential learning center for all ages that will include hands-on activities related to geography, science, technology, engineering and math. The Army expects 750,000 guests during the museum’s first year.
“The Army has served American citizens for 244 years, protecting the freedoms that are precious to all of us. Millions of people have served in the Army, and this museum gives us the chance to tell their stories to the public and show how they have served our nation and our people,” acting Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy said in the release.
You can’t reserve tickets yet nor put your name on a waiting list, though more details will come early next year. Free timed-entry tickets will be used for crowd-control purposes.
Visitors can sign up for an email list to find out when tickets will be available and to get other news related to the museum and Army Historical Foundation news and events.