The
National Museum of the United States Army (NMUSA) opened
in 2020. There is certainly some competition for history museums in this region,
like the
Gettysburg Battlefield Museum and the
Smithsonian National Museum of American History. But I can’t give a higher recommendation than for the NMUSA.
I’ve wanted to visit it since it was under construction. It was worth the wait.
First, I liked that the museum was focused solely on the
history of the U.S. Army; the unbiased story of the men and women who have served from
the first muster of militia in 1636 to our most recent deployments in Iraq and
Afghanistan. There are no controversies offered, and no political commentary is displayed. This museum is purely a celebration of the people who answered their
country’s call and an educational opportunity for American military history.
When you enter the museum, I recommend that you go to the
Army Theater and watch the introductory movie “Of Noble Deeds.” As one of the
docents described it, “It will get you in the mode of the museum.” The theater
is state-of-the-art. Surround sound and a 360-degree screen. The floor vibrated
during battle scenes and I swear there was a blast of cold air blowing down
from the ceiling during the segment on the Battle of the Bulge. The movie starts
every fifteen minutes, so really, see the movie.
The first floor of the museum holds permanent exhibits
that trace the Army’s history. There are seven galleries that each have a
different theme. The theme also corresponds to a period of American history.
There are plenty of pictures on the museum’s website, but they don’t do these
displays justice. It is a total sensory experience of image, light, and sound.
There are full-size, real vehicles like a Sherman Tank and a Bradley Fighting
Vehicle. The displays were so lifelike (particularly the mannequins) that I was
reminded of the movie “Night at the Museum.” Do they come to life at night?
If you are going to read every word on every display, you’re
going to need a long day. The Special Exhibits area (traveling or temporary
exhibits) is on the second floor. We had to save them for another visit, which
we are planning for the near future. There is a lot to see. I won’t go over everything
in the museum here. Instead, do a deep dive on
the NMUSA website.
The NMUSA is located on Fort Belvoir, Virginia, just south
of Washington, D.C., and Alexandria. The museum sits on an open part of the base
so you do not have to stop at a gate and sign in or show a picture ID. For
driving directions, Google Maps took me right to the parking lot. Their address
is 1775 Liberty Drive, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. Parking is free. Entry into the
museum is free, but you are asked to secure a timed ticket on the museum’s
website. Probably a good idea during the busy tourist season. When you enter
the museum, you will be required to go through a screening similar to an airport.
See the NMUSA website for a list of items you are prohibited from bringing into
the museum.
I would be remiss if I did not mention that there is a nice
cafeteria on the first floor of the museum. But if you want other food options,
you’ll have to get in your car. The large, well-stocked, gift shop is also great
for souvenir tee shirts and hats (I bought a cool new Army sweatshirt). My only criticism of the museum is that
they could offer more books in the gift shop.
When you take a vacation to D.C., I realize that there are a
lot of sites competing for your time. But if you are a student of American military
history, the
National Museum of the United States Army needs to be on your itinerary.
