National Museum of the United States Army
Explore over 250 years of U.S. Army history through immersive exhibits and iconic artifacts at this free museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
National Museum of the United States Army
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore over 250 years of U.S. Army history through immersive exhibits and iconic artifacts at this free museum.
"An amazing museum that spotlights the brave soldiers who have been protecting our nation for over 250 years!"
🎯 Book Free Timed Tickets
Reservations are essential for entry! Book your free timed tickets online in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through extensive exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Revolutionary War to Modern Day
Galleries
Journey through over 250 years of U.S. Army history, from its founding to present-day conflicts.
Immersive Exhibit Experiences
Galleries
Engage with multisensory exhibits that bring Army history to life with artifacts and interactive elements.
Iconic Aircraft Displays
Aviation Pavilion
See historic aircraft, including the B-29 'Bockscar' that dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Free Timed Entry
Allocate Ample Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Free Timed Tickets
Reservations are essential for entry! Book your free timed tickets online in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through extensive exhibits.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Plan for at least 4 hours to truly appreciate the vast history.
✈️ Don't Miss Aviation
The aircraft displays, including the B-29 'Bockscar', are a major highlight.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Free Timed Tickets
Reservations are essential for entry! Book your free timed tickets online in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking through extensive exhibits.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Plan for at least 4 hours to truly appreciate the vast history.
✈️ Don't Miss Aviation
The aircraft displays, including the B-29 'Bockscar', are a major highlight.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Simulators
Engage the little ones with interactive simulators for a fun family experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the National Museum of the United States Army for its comprehensive historical exhibits and the care taken in their presentation. Many highlight the informative staff and the engaging, multisensory nature of the displays. While some feel it might lack a singular 'wow' factor compared to other major museums, the overall experience is highly recommended for its educational value and tribute to soldiers.
"A museum worthy of the size and history of the American army, with an emphasis on wars, very well detailed... It was a fantastic experience, surrounded by interactive images, lights, relics and soldiers, represented by special figures. The modern architecture of the building is a highlight. Friendly staff. The restaurant is simple, without many options. However, I loved the sandwich, which was very tasty. Entrance and parking were free. Just gratitude!"
Júlio França
"(September 13, 2025) The National Museum of the United States Army is the finest military museum I have ever encountered in my life. If you plan to go admission is free. Reservations can be made online or you can do a walk in - in person. Parking is far from the entrance if you are handicapped or can't walk long distances, they have a golf cart to pick you up and wheelchairs to assist you.
Presently, they have a temporary exhibit for The American Revolution in the second floor. I recommend picking up a map & info brochure of the museum and watching the free movie in the little theater they have to get an introduction of the US Army. The theater has HD quality and surround sound with vibrating chairs to give you the most virtual reality experience when watching the movie. There are many exhibits to explore in the museum. If you want to see the whole museum in one day or can only see it in one visit, I suggest going to the museum when it opens, browsing through each exhibit & floor, and leaving till the museum closes. It also helps if you go with people who want to see the whole museum or alone. I have never been able to spend as much time as I want in most museums like this one due to my companions wanting to leave early. My last visit was with my in laws, they were captivated by the museum and what it had to offer. They want to revisit the museum again.
On my last visit, I explored the 9/11 exhibit, the Gulf War, the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the exhibit showing the impact of the US Army throughout the years - all on the first floor. I watched most of the movies in the exhibits I explored. It was nice to have sitting areas for these movie exhibits. The most memorable movie was World War II - The bombing of Hiroshima and The Vietnam War. There were many grand exhibits that caught my eye that I shot photos of on my phone. I ended my visit when I was alerted that my group wanted to leave and met up with them in the gift store. The gift store has many souvenirs and items to buy. I wish they had a penny presser to make souvenir coins like some museums do. I purchased postcards and a sticker.
The only features of the museum I had concern for is that some of the interactive exhibits could not be accessed because they needed repairs or needed a code from the ticket to access it. My ticket holder was away from me so I could not play the virtual reality game there.
They have a children's area for children in the museum. One idea I have is to provide a map & scavenger hunt for children and a more complex scavenger hunt & map for teens to adults to highlight the most important features of the museum and to make learning more easy & fun for different age groups."
Ophelia Grace777
"It is a very nice and well-maintained museum. However, I felt it lacked a “wow” factor in its displays, especially when compared to nearby institutions such as the Marine Museum and the Air and Space Museum. That said, I still enjoyed a brief visit."
Kye
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Museum of the United States Army is located at 1775 Liberty Drive, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. It's accessible by car, and parking is available. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is often recommended.
Yes, there is a large parking lot available for visitors. Based on the size of the lot, it's evident that the museum can get very busy, especially on weekends.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop off and pick up visitors at the museum. It's a convenient option if you're not driving yourself.
The museum is designed to be accessible for all visitors, with features like elevators and accessible restrooms. It's recommended to check their official website for specific accessibility details.
Fort Belvoir is located south of Alexandria, Virginia. Major routes include I-95 and the Capital Beltway (I-495). Specific directions can be found on the Fort Belvoir or museum's official website.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, free timed tickets are required for entry. You must make a reservation online in advance to secure your visit.
Admission to the National Museum of the United States Army is free. However, you do need to reserve a timed entry ticket online.
Tickets can be obtained through the official website of the National Museum of the United States Army. It's recommended to book these well in advance.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on operating days and times.
No, walk-in entries are generally not permitted. Free timed tickets must be reserved online prior to your visit to guarantee entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features extensive galleries covering over 250 years of Army history, from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts. Highlights include iconic aircraft, immersive exhibits, and artifacts.
Most visitors recommend allocating at least four hours to fully experience the museum's vast collection and detailed exhibits.
Yes, the museum offers simulators and interactive elements designed to engage younger visitors and families.
The museum can get very busy, especially on weekends. Weekday afternoons or Monday mornings are often less crowded.
While some visitors feel it lacks a 'wow' factor compared to other museums, many are impressed by the comprehensive historical narrative and the care put into the exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe that offers good food options for visitors.
It's generally recommended to check the museum's specific policies on outside food and beverages. Some museums allow it in designated areas.
The cafe typically offers a range of options, from snacks to more substantial meals, catering to diverse tastes.
Fort Belvoir and the surrounding areas offer various dining options. You can explore local restaurants for more choices.
Reviews suggest the food is good and reasonably priced for a museum cafe.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect artifacts. Always check for signage.
While personal photos are usually fine, professional photography or videography may require special permission. Avoid using flash in sensitive exhibit areas.
The large aircraft displays, the exterior architecture, and the detailed dioramas within the galleries offer great photo opportunities.
Short videos for personal social media are typically permitted. For commercial or professional filming, contact the museum's media relations department.
The aviation exhibits, especially the B-29 'Bockscar', and the visually rich historical dioramas are highly recommended for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to book your free timed tickets in advance, as this is a requirement.
Military History Enthusiasts
The immersive exhibits are designed to provide context and understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by soldiers throughout different eras. Don't miss the Aviation Pavilion, which houses significant aircraft like the B-29 'Bockscar', a critical piece of WWII history.
Budget Travelers
While entry is free, consider the cost of transportation and any food purchases. The museum's cafe offers reasonably priced options,
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Galleries: A Journey Through Army History
The museum doesn't just present facts; it aims to create curiosity and encourage exploration. You'll encounter a vast array of artifacts, from uniforms and weaponry to personal letters and equipment, all carefully curated to tell the stories of the soldiers who served. The displays are designed to be visually appealing and informative, making the history accessible and compelling for everyone.
Beyond the main galleries, the museum often features special exhibits and dedicated spaces. The Aviation Pavilion is a significant draw, showcasing iconic aircraft that played crucial roles in Army history, including the historic B-29 'Bockscar'.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Timing, and Tips
Visitors often suggest allocating a significant amount of time, typically at least four hours, to fully appreciate the depth and breadth of the exhibits.
For those traveling with children, the museum offers interactive simulators that provide an engaging and fun element to the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit