National WWI Museum and Memorial

The National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, MO opened in 1926 as the Liberty Memorial. The museum is in honor of those who served in the World War in defense of liberty and our country. In 2004, it was designated by the United States Congress as the country’s official war memorial and museum dedicated to World War I. It is the only American museum dedicated to sharing the stories of the Great War through the eyes of those who lived it. Its mission is to remember, interpret and understand the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum and Memorial have a comprehensive archive of more than 330,000 objects and documents. 

The Museum and Memorial maintain the Liberty Memorial as a beacon of freedom and a symbol of the courage, patriotism, sacrifice, and honor of all who served in World War I. It also interprets the history of World War I to encourage public involvement and informed decision-making. The Museum and Memorial provide exhibitions and educational programs that engage diverse audiences that span 32,000 square feet. The main gallery holds the permanent exhibition, “The World War, 1914-1919.” It features original objects and documents, videos, recreated trenches and interactive tables. The exhibit space features a glass bridge above a field of 9,000 red poppies, each representing 1,000 combatant deaths. The Museum and Memorial also feature other limited-run exhibits that tell curated stories about World War I. In addition to the exhibits, visitors can enjoy two theaters that provide educational narratives. Outside the Museum, on the North Lawn, a memorial tree was planted called “The Tree of Peace” in honor of those who fought and died in World War I. 

The Museum Store has a number of World War I themed treasures, from t-shirts to collectables. It has the largest selection of books and literature relating to the Great War era. The Museum takes visitors on a journey through a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism, and sacrifice. 

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

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