Soldiers Memorial Military Museum originally opened in 1938. A two-year, multimillion dollar revitalization was completed in 2018 to bring Soldiers Memorial up to the highest museum standards in the nation. Its exhibits share St. Louis's military history through the experiences of those who lived it.
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Soldiers Memorial Military Museum

4.7
·889 reviews·St. Louis, United States

A solemn tribute to St. Louis's military heroes, featuring impactful exhibits on local service and national conflicts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more reflection

CrowdLow
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Soldiers Memorial Military Museum originally opened in 1938. A two-year, multimillion dollar revitalization was completed in 2018 to bring Soldiers Memorial up to the highest museum standards in the nation. Its exhibits share St. Louis's military history through the experiences of those who lived it.

Soldiers Memorial Military Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more reflection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A solemn tribute to St. Louis's military heroes, featuring impactful exhibits on local service and national conflicts.

4.7
(889 reviews)

"A truly moving and informative experience, honoring those who served with thoughtful exhibits and welcoming staff."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Downtown

Overnight parking is generally safe downtown, with many cars parked. Police report few break-ins. 🚗

🗣️ Engaging Staff

Staff, like the gentleman with glasses, offer passionate introductions. Security guards are helpful with closing times. :bustsinsilhouette:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 889 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vietnam: At War & At Home Exhibit

Vietnam: At War & At Home Exhibit

Main exhibition hall

Explore the dual narratives of the Vietnam War, from combat zones to the impact on American life.

Tuskegee Airmen Recognition

Tuskegee Airmen Recognition

Outdoor memorial area

Honor the pioneering Tuskegee Airmen, a vital part of military aviation history.

Ghost Army Exhibition

Ghost Army Exhibition

Special exhibition space

Discover the ingenious tactics of the Ghost Army, a unit that used art and deception in WWII.

Outdoor Memorial Park

Outdoor Memorial Park

Museum grounds

A sobering space with an obelisk and bas-relief soldiers, perfect for quiet contemplation.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Reflection

This museum is a solemn tribute, best experienced with time for reflection. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds and allow for a more personal connection with the exhibits. The outdoor memorial park also offers a peaceful space for contemplation.

Understanding the Exhibits

The Soldiers Memorial Military Museum focuses on local military history and the sacrifices of St. Louis area soldiers. Exhibits often highlight specific conflicts and units, offering a deep dive into the human stories behind the history. Check their website for current special exhibitions.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Crowd
Low
When
Around Veterans Day
Why
Special events & ceremonies
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This museum is incredible. Located in northern Georgia. If you’ve seen Band of Brothers this is museum is about those men and their units. And where they trained. These men were really what changed WW2 and the outcome. Highly recommend the show Band of Brothers and this museum!! #bandofbrothers #militarymuseums #georgia #curraheemountain #datenight
@bigmomma_lea
68.7K likes • 674.4K views

🚗 Parking Downtown

Overnight parking is generally safe downtown, with many cars parked. Police report few break-ins. 🚗

🗣️ Engaging Staff

Staff, like the gentleman with glasses, offer passionate introductions. Security guards are helpful with closing times. :bustsinsilhouette:

The way I am not even halfway done… @Chaffee Military Museum will be where people can listen to them being read! #foryou #history #historytok #ww2 #ww2history #1940s #miltok #militaryspouse #militaryhistory #fyp #worldwartwo #armywife #armyhistory #historical #ww2veteran #xybca #1940sstyle #pinup #pinupgirl #loveletters #antique #vintage
@thehistoricalharlot
29.3K likes • 132.5K views
About 25 IAM Veterans Steering Committee members recently volunteered to clean the grounds of the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum in St. Louis, a week ahead of the city’s annual Veterans Day Parade.
machinistsunion
41 likes • 1K views

💖 Support the Museum

Admission is free, but donations are highly encouraged to support this valuable historical resource. ❤️

📜 Love Letters Exhibit

Look out for special exhibits like the 'WW2 Love Letters' series, offering a personal glimpse into history. ✉️

Today we honor our soldiers. Our veterans. One way you can do this is to visit this new exhibit opening today at the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum in downtown St. Louis—“Vietnam: At War & At Home.” Upon entering, you can choose which path to begin: at war in southeast Asia or at home in America in St. Louis. To all who have served and are serving, Thank You. @soldiersstlouis #veteransday...
fariestraveltales
17 likes • 254 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Downtown

Overnight parking is generally safe downtown, with many cars parked. Police report few break-ins. 🚗

🗣️ Engaging Staff

Staff, like the gentleman with glasses, offer passionate introductions. Security guards are helpful with closing times. :bustsinsilhouette:

💖 Support the Museum

Admission is free, but donations are highly encouraged to support this valuable historical resource. ❤️

📜 Love Letters Exhibit

Look out for special exhibits like the 'WW2 Love Letters' series, offering a personal glimpse into history. ✉️

🌳 Grounds Maintenance

Volunteers help maintain the museum grounds, contributing to its respectful atmosphere. :evergreen_tree:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(889 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum a deeply moving and informative tribute to local military history. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, with special praise for the Vietnam and Ghost Army displays. Staff are consistently noted for their passion and helpfulness, enhancing the respectful and welcoming atmosphere.

"Great memorial park. Sits high on the hill. It is very sobering at what sacrifices that were made by the soldiers to keep us free.
May we never forget."

chase Winslow

"Soldiers Memorial Military Museum in St. Louis is a truly moving and informative experience. The museum is a beautiful and respectful tribute to those who served, and the exhibits are thoughtfully curated. A special highlight of our visit was the gentleman with blonde hair and glasses who gave a fantastic and professional introduction. His passion and knowledge made for a great start to our tour. We also appreciated the kindness of the security guard, who was helpful enough to offer us the closing times, ensuring we had plenty of time to explore everything. It's a wonderful place that honors its subjects and makes visitors feel welcome. Please Donate"

Rick Sevilla

"The Tuskegee Airmen were honored with a street named after them Tuskegee Airmen Way. Our cousin was a guest speaker and the mayor of St Louis Missouri"

J A

What People Like

Moving and informative exhibits
Passionate and helpful staff
Respectful memorial atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited dining options on-site

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located downtown in St. Louis, Missouri. Public transportation options are available, and driving is also feasible. Parking is generally safe in the downtown area, with many cars parked overnight. Reddit

Yes, there are parking options available downtown. Reddit users have reported that leaving a car parked overnight is generally safe, with police indicating break-ins are not common. Reddit

Information on specific bus or light rail routes can be found on the St. Louis public transit website. The museum's central downtown location makes it accessible via various routes. Instagram

The museum is designed to be accessible. It's recommended to check their official website or call ahead for specific accessibility details regarding ramps, elevators, and restroom facilities.

Many St. Louis city tours include stops at prominent downtown landmarks. Inquire with tour operators if the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum is part of their itinerary. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum is free. However, donations are highly encouraged to support the museum's operations and exhibits. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially around holidays. It's best to check the official Soldiers Memorial Military Museum website for the most up-to-date information on daily hours and any special closures. Reddit

Since admission is free, advance booking is typically not required. However, for special events or group visits, it's advisable to contact the museum directly.

Yes, the museum frequently hosts special exhibitions. Recent examples include 'Vietnam: At War & At Home' and the 'Ghost Army Exhibition.' Check their website for current offerings. InstagramReddit

The museum offers a historical and educational experience that can be engaging for older children and teenagers. The exhibits are designed to be informative and respectful. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can expect to see exhibits detailing St. Louis's military history, from World War I and II to more recent conflicts. Highlights include the Tuskegee Airmen and the Ghost Army. TikTokReddit

A typical visit can last from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest level and the number of exhibits you wish to explore. Some visitors may spend longer if they engage deeply with the content. Reddit

While formal guided tours might not be daily, the museum often has knowledgeable staff who can provide introductions and insights, making the experience more engaging. Reddit

The outdoor park features an obelisk with bas-relief soldiers and offers a solemn space for reflection on the sacrifices made by military personnel. It's a peaceful area adjacent to the museum. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask museum staff. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, its downtown St. Louis location means there are numerous dining options within walking distance.

Downtown St. Louis offers a wide variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining, serving diverse cuisines. You can find options for every taste and budget nearby. Instagram

Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside museums to protect the exhibits. It's best to consume them outside or in designated areas if available.

Yes, many restaurants in the downtown area cater to families. Look for diners, pizza places, or casual cafes that offer kid-friendly menus.

Several cafes and delis are located within a few blocks of the museum, perfect for a quick lunch or snack before or after your visit.

📸 📸 Photography

The obelisk on the front lawn, the outdoor memorial park, and the exterior architecture of the museum itself offer great photo opportunities. Inside, focus on exhibits that allow photography. Instagram

Flash photography is typically not allowed inside museums as it can damage artifacts and disrupt the viewing experience for others. Always check for signage. Instagram

The Tuskegee Airmen Way street sign and any prominent displays related to specific wars or units can make for memorable photos. Reddit

Photography rules for special exhibits can vary. It's best to confirm with museum staff or look for posted guidelines regarding the 'Vietnam: At War & At Home' exhibit. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around public buildings. Always adhere to local regulations regarding drone operation.

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