National WWI Museum and Memorial

This was the most high-tech, educational and beautifully moving experience I’ve ever had at a museum. I only had an hour before closing time, but I was still able to get the full experience of how devastating the first world war truly was. It was a very well thought out and put together collection And I’m sorry I didn’t get to spend more time learning about it. If you’re in Kansas City, you should make this your first stop. I look forward to coming back and educating my own family about the war that people are slowly forgetting about.

The National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City is undoubtedly one of the best museums I have visited, rivaling even the esteemed Winston Churchill Museum in London. My experience here was truly immersive, lasting close to three hours, but it felt like stepping back in time, effortlessly absorbing the profound history of World War I. From the moment I entered, the museum’s thoughtful layout and organization struck me. Everything is designed to guide visitors through the complex history of the war without overwhelming them. The exhibits are meticulously curated, showcasing a vast array of artifacts, documents, and multimedia presentations that bring the Great War to life in a way that is both educational and deeply moving. One of the unique aspects of this museum is the staff, primarily composed of older individuals who are not just guides but passionate storytellers. Their firsthand narratives and detailed explanations added a personal touch to the exhibits, enriching my understanding of the war’s events and its impact. Their knowledge and eagerness to share made the visit all the more engaging. Another advantage is that there is no need to buy tickets in advance or hire a guide. The museum is set up in a way that allows you to explore at your own pace, with clear signage and interactive displays that answer most questions you might have about the war and its aftermath. The museum also offers a reflective space, both indoors and through its impressive outdoor memorial. Standing outside, overlooking the Kansas City skyline with the imposing Liberty Memorial tower reaching towards the sky, I felt a solemn connection to the past, reflecting on the sacrifices made during the war. My visit was not only educational but also emotionally impactful. The museum does an excellent job of conveying the gravity of World War I while also honoring those who served. It’s a place not just of history, but of remembrance. In conclusion, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, military affairs, or seeking a deeper understanding of the global impact of World War I. Its comprehensive exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and the poignant atmosphere make it a standout museum experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a student, or just looking for an enlightening way to spend an afternoon, this museum offers a rich, accessible, and unforgettable journey through one of history’s most pivotal periods.

This place offers a wealth of culture and learning about World War I. The architecture and the staff make you feel like you’re in a location of great historical significance. I was especially impressed by the garden in the center of the pavilion. The admission fee is very reasonable, making it a highly recommended spot for families with teenage children and middle or high school students.

This is a great museum. This allowed us the opportunity to share with our kids the things we learned about growing up. We now get the privilege of teaching our kids from the past, to help prevent this again in the future. The displays were put together so well, they told the history and story of WWI. My kids were excited to put what they learned from the Truman museum, when seeing things with him in it. We hope to come back one day.

This museum and memorial are incredible. It was incredible to learn more about the history of WWI and gain a better understanding of the plight of the soldiers who fought in it. The trench warfare was no joke. These men and women were absolutely incredible Americans with courage second to none. A beautiful view of Kansas City from the memorial as well. What an incredible opportunity to get to view this historic place.

Beautiful museum, lots of exhibits to explore. Plenty of interactive exhibits, and the staff are incredibly friendly, and helpful and made the experience even better. I would absolutely come here again, and would encourage those in the KC area to make a stop here!

What an amazing museum! This was the first time here, and I want to go back already. Was only able to spend a couple hours there, but I could have spent the entire day and still probably wouldn't have had time to read and explore everything. So many cool exhibits that covered so many aspects of the war. A must see!

We really appreciated the work and time that went and still go into this museum. So many artifacts and information have been gathered. The museum guide we had was so passionate and full of amazing history.

I'm very impressed by this history museum discussing the history and tactics used at the turn of the century. This museum houses the most comprehensive collection of WW1 artifacts on the planet. It's the leading institution dedicated to remembering this terrible time. Dedicated in 1921 just a few years after the Great War, this museum does a great job of showing the difficulties and horrors of this conflict. Despite its age, the museum has been and continues to be updated with interactive technologies and state of the art facilities to tell its tale. The Main Gallery holds the permanent exhibition, and walks you through the series of events that led the world towards cataclysmic disaster. It then takes you through the decision of the United States to enter the war and our participation in the events. There are plenty of interactive and hands on displays. there are audio guides that give additional insights to various periods of the times and people. One of the more notable temporary exhibitions during my visit was The Little War which explores the lives of children during the war. War touches everybody differently, and its affects result in the direction of the future. The museum has a cafe and a store. It allows photography, and there's plenty to note. Its grounds are beautifully maintained, inside and outside. Above the museum is the memorial itself, which includes the Liberty Tower, the Memorial Courtyard (which overlooks the KC skyline), and the Exhibit and Memory Halls. Again this museum is beautiful, and despite the sad topic, the museum does a great job of interpreting and remembering the Great War for the goods, the bads, and the ugly. The museum commands respect, and I ask future visitors to remember to be humbled by the past, and enjoy the site.

I went to visit the museum and do the VR experience. The staff was friendly and very helpful. However, the whole museum focused on the most negative aspects of war. I expected the VR experience to be historical, but it seemed like a horror movie and gave me a panic attack. They need to have a PTSD warning or a summary of the story. I agree there are terrible and terrifying parts of WWI. There were also numerous hero's and beautiful stories that casting everyone as a shell shocked mess is disrespectful to their memory and extends the stigma on mental health.

We made a stop in Kansas City on our way from Minnesota to Colorado primarily so we could come to this museum. The grounds and museum itself are beautiful and well maintained. The staff were very friendly and enthusiastic to discuss topics or answer questions. Other reviews mentioned that it could take a long time to go through the museum so we budgeted the better part of a day, but it only took our family of four about 2 hours to tour the museum and go to the top of the tower. We didn't read EVERYTHING on display and we went during off-peak season on a Sunday right away when they opened, so they weren't very busy. A must see if you're in the area.

This place is incredible. You don't even have to be into WWII history and you'll enjoy this museum. There is so much to see and you almost get lost in the place with going up and down in multiple building. There are some very large exhibits and stuff you won't see anywhere else. I would always suggest this for a stop in NOLA

I made time for a quick (too quick!) visit to the National WWI Museum and Memorial when I was in Kansas City for a work conference, and I'm so glad I did. The memorial (above the museum) is beautiful and has a great view of the city. The museum is very comprehensive - from the causes to the battles to the losses to the lasting effects (WWII). It has incredible artifacts (planes, uniforms, etc.) and great information. I learned a lot from my visit. I loved that to enter the museum's main exhibit hall, you walk across a glass bridge above a field of 9,000 (fake, not real) red poppies, which represent 1,000 combatant deaths. The museum reopened after a renovation in 2006, but some rooms were closed to renovations when I visited. Still, I learned a lot about the war and definitely recommend anyone interested in history visit the museum if/when you visit Kansas City!

My nephew who has lived here a long time said this is one of the must see spots in KC. It is a beautiful memorial and very somber. There is also a spectacular view of the city that you get from here. Trust one of our not-so-smart fellow humans to climb on the wall and create a scene when there were clear signs everywhere to not do that which caused security to come rushing out.

This memorial has museum and big tower located in prime Main Street location. The entire memorial is elevated to the height that you can view the entire city. The best view is looking at the union station. Great view for picture. We did not go to museum and the tower. There is extra fees for it. The tower line in long due to space in the elevator and wait time. Overall is a good memorial park. Great place for festival. Although the entire place has not much of cover but the tower provides some shade area.

Now this is a museum that probably isn't for everyone because it really puts in perspective what people went through during WWI. The experience here brings a hush over the visitors as you absorb what happened and some of the exhibits actually put you in the perspective of a soldier on the front lines. It can be a harrowing experience for some, but the educational benefits of museums like this can show the decisions that put our world in this predicament. Those that don't learn from their history, are doomed to repeat it. I will say this isn't something I'd visit more than once every few years, but for a couple hours of learning about the history of the Great War for only $18, I'd say it was worth it. You can see more of our experience on our YouTube travel channel: https://youtu.be/6X_5cDClGus

This review is for the tower only as we did not have time to go through the museum! But the area itself is Very beautiful and nicely kept. We saw groups taking wedding photos there as well. We just did a quick stop to see the outside, take a nice walk, and go up the tower! You can see a great view of the city without going up the tower but an even better view at the top. The tower is $6 to go up or an extra $3 if you bought the museum ticket. Once in the tower, they take you up an elevator and then you will climb 3 flights of stairs. There is then a 360 view of KC! Be ready for lots of wind! But was definitely cool to check out if you're already there! The staff was also very friendly and patient and parking was very easy. Would recommend checking out!

Well laid out museum with friendly staff who are happy to answer questions and help guide you through the exhibits. The tower is an extra special addition and I highly recommend adding this to your ticket for an additional fee. The elevator takes you most of the way up and down with a few steps to the very top. If I lived closer I would definitely be a member and visit the special exhibits regularly. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to enjoy this museum. We spent 4 hours there easily but went through each exhibit and watched most videos. The grounds are also lovely and it is a block walk to Union Station which is worth the visit as well. The gift shop is very tiny but has some good finds still. I appreciated the free water in the cafe too as so many museums make you purchase expensive bottles.

Take the time to visit this. I got there around 1230 on a Friday in July. If you.want to go up in the Obelisk purchase your ticket and do that first, beautiful view of Kansas City (pictures taken there). You take an elevator up then go 45 steps to the view point. Next up the museum, there is a 12 minute movie, do not miss this, or the video at the end. So much stuff, the donations to this museum are wonderful. 2 walls on either side gives you the history playbook. The maps, uniforms, helmets, artillery is extensive, a lot of reading. The floor below the museum has many objects, on the wall is letters a father wrote to his son who was an ariel observer, his dad was an artist every envelope he sent to his son was a work of art, the son saved them and they are framed on the wall. The restaurant there was reasonably priced.

I have been in museums all over the world, and I have never been in one so loud and disrespectful to those who gave their lives in a war. The museum's installations are good, I wish I could have enjoyed them! Instead, I was forced to listen to LOUD tour guides putting up a show for the groups of high-schoolers who were there on a field trip. The kids themselves were fairly quiet and respectful of the space, I wish the museum personnel would have been as well!! Let's start treating young adults as such, and not as children with a 1-second attention span. You do not need to make war "entertaining", you do not need to yell "BOOM" for them to understand that bombs are loud, you do not need to yell "one gold star for you" through a megaphone when they answer a question correctly. Places like this should teach our youth about history, and about respecting it. War is not a game and should not be presented as such. I am appalled by the experienced we had in this place.

I really enjoyed the museum and monument. Its grounds are filled with lush green grass and reflection pools at the base of the monument tower. Inside the museum had a ton of information and displays. Some people complained that it was too small in other reviews, but I disagree. I thought it was a good size and provided a plethora of information and facts. Seeing all the war items on display is very humbling. I would definitely recommend checking it out. Make sure that you pay the extra $4 to go to the top of the tower,the 360° view of KC is totally worth it!!

I was in town doing the tourist thing so I stopped to see this big beautiful tower. A ticket to go up was only $8. Most of it was elevator but there were about equivalent to 2 flights of steps to get to the outside landing. It was open with a big half wall so you don't fall. Not a lot of room. It's not a place to hang out at. But the view of the city of Kansas City was spectacular! It was something to see! Go do it!

Definitely recommend, but the walk up the hill is not for the faint of heart! The museum stayed open late for AP readers during our stay in Kansas City and we are so thankful they did because it was so amazing! They have beautiful exhibits, wonderful volunteers and a fantastic gift shop. If you have a few hours to spend you need to check it out. We did a whirlwind trip through and next time we are seriously dedicating an entire day to this amazing site! Thank you to all the incredible volunteers who took time out of their day to hang out with nerdy history teachers so we could geek out over all the exhibits!

Those who do not learn from history, are doomed to repeat it! I visited the WW1 Museum & Memorial in Kansas City, MO last week - amazing experience. It's very different because if you think about it, in most museums they have a plethora of WW2 history/artifacts but not much from WW1 (perhaps given the US's late involvement in WW1), but anyways.... A great experience for anyone who can appreciate history, the museum has plenty of uniforms, weapons, memorabilia and other items from the war, along with short films documenting the timeline and life size replicas of the trenches. You can also go to the top of the memorial for a great view of downtown KC for a small additional charge. The volunteers who help run the museum are all very friendly (and mostly veterans - thank you for your service!) and would love to answer any questions you'd have. Coming from Chicago, the museum is on the smaller size in comparison to what we have here, but it's still great. Highly recommended to visit at least once.

Parking is pretty easy here. It's also a nice place to take a walk in the nice afternoon and the museum where you can learn the knowledge about World War I. Also, for people who like to do family picture and wedding picture, you can see people here taking photos

Was an amazing museum. It's super cool they are letting veterans and those who are currently serving in for free with their dependents. I would like to come back without kids so I can read more and enjoy it more!

This museum is the most amazing place. It is very well laid out and engaging. I had my 19 year old ASD son and my 10 year old grandson with me. Both were highly interested in all the artifacts, history, and interactive activities. The staff and volunteers LOVE to engage and are full of valuable knowledge.

Beautiful part of history. Clean facilities and friendly and helpful staff. Connected the dots and answered a lot of questions regarding the history of the war and all involved. Would suggest a few hours to spare to do the Tour, so you're at your own pace

A very nice way to honor WWI veterans and to see the city (Kansas City MO) and to see the huge phallic symbol called the Liberty Memorial. Freud would have had a field day! May the city enjoy lots of inspiration. It's beautiful at night and you can take really breathtaking pics. There doesn't seem to be a curfew for this area so feel free to enjoy he sights anytime. And go see the museum.

If you are a history buff or interested in learning about WWI, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is a must-visit in Kansas City. The exhibits are well done, interactive, and convey the tragedy and horrors of war. I highly recommend seeing The Pantheon de la Guerre mural, which depicts the faces of thousands of soldiers who died in the war. Pay a bit extra for the 217 ft. tall Liberty Memorial Tower, which gives you a great view of Kansas City.

We happened upon the National WW1 Museum during a swim meet weekend in Lenexa, KS. My son really likes history, but mostly WW2 history. He was pretty skeptical about coming here since he had already gone to the WW2 museum recently. Still, we decided to check it out since we were in town and had some free time. Walking towards the museum, the architecture is really interesting. There were many great photos taken on the outside of the museum for sure! Inside, it was pretty quiet. There was definitely a lot to see and learn. My favorite part of the museum was the replica of Flanders field of poppies. We can only see it from the bridge area as we tried our best to get down to it! If you're interested in history, you should definitely check this place out!

You have to go if you're in the KC area! Even if you're not, consider going! I've been to some really good museums around the world ... this is no exception. This is one of the most engaging museums in a long line of quality history preservers and awareness providers.

This a a great museum, very comprehensive and well curated. Touring this museum will give you a lot of information about the war. It features a large timeline that has a lot of detail about important events of the war. The timeline would take a long time to read on its own. I wish I would have asked if they have a take home version. I didn't want to spend the time reading the whole thing there but I'd loved to have read it later. They have a section showing equipment (and artillery) from each of the major combatants. They have examples showing trench warfare. I only spent about an hour and a half here, but could have easily stayed longer.

Took an opportunity to visit national world war I museum. There's a lot of artifacts in this facility. Cost for an adult was $18 plus $6 to go up the tower which was an elevator ride and 45 steps. The winds can be strong up at the top and it's completely opened there, however it gives you a good perspective of the area around. To make it more of an interesting thing, hard at Union station in walk up to the monument and the grass path behind the facility all the way up to the top. There are two other exhibits at the top of the venue adjacent to the entrance way to the tower, however, those are separate ticketed. Access within the facility was very friendly to the mobility challenged folks. It was very educational and to volunteers and workers were extremely engaging to share with you information that they know about the various exhibits. The walking cane that was created from an airplane propeller was an interesting highlight. I think the parking at the museum may be free. However, I did not check. Parking at Union station that cost 10 bucks but might had been due to a special event going on there.

Only reason for the trip to KC was to come to the WW1museum! It didn't disappoint, bought the combo ticket with tower and special exhibits included. Arrived just when they opened went up the tower first before it was crowded. The special exhibit was about the children during the war. Very interesting and impactful. On the advice of one of the volunteers went to the lower level for the open exhibits, they had some interesting things there, you also see the base of the memorial tower. Then explored the main museum. Very well done lots of history and sad the world has learned nothing except to continue having wars and conflicts.

A really good spot to visit where you can take a photo of the city skyline. Hope you enjoy

We decided to come visit this museum since we were in the area. We came super late in the day and was worried about not being able to enjoy the place. We were able to find parking just fine and get tickets. We even got to up to the tower which was awesome. All of the staff members here are super nice. They had so many things to look at and everything was well preserved. The museum itself was also in great shape and super clean. The tower viewing is awesome with an awesome view of the city. Great place to take photos and even saw several wedding parties taking photos. Pretty cool to check out. Get here early in the day as there is plenty to look at!

Excellent museum and exhibit definitely worth the stop. I appreciate it all the volunteers helping out.

Wonderful museum and monument focused on the war to end all wars...and sadly one which our youth don't know enough about...9 million dead...but less than 1% of those were US because we stayed out until the end.. Incredible collection of artifacts! A great view into the life in the trenches and the weapons used, and the devastating loss of life. Educational and moving...definitely worth a visit.

One of the best museum in the country located here at the heart of downtown Kansas City. It sits high above a hill. At night, great view of the city lights. From the back of the museum, you can view the front of Union Station. Great exhibits inside and if your not afraid of height, be sure to go up the tower for a view of the city. During Fourth of July, the City of Kansas City will hold their annual Stars and Stripes picnic with free concerts, activities, food trucks and spectacular fireworks from the front lawn.

I consider this museum akin to the WWII museum in New Orleans (reviewed separately). It's the best one out there. I am a history nerd, but in general, knew very little about WWI other than it was started by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. First, I recommend you watch the introductory film. I'm not always a museum film person, but this one helps prepare you, and will later help you internalize it all. The museum is bursting with artifacts. Soldier uniforms of all kinds (British, Turkish, Russian, and even African). It also presents numerous weapons, from pistols to rifles to missiles to tanks. It does a great job of using multi-media to lay out a clear timeline of the war, as well as an outline of motivations behind each segment of the war. You actually learn why, in smaller and more easily digestible bits, the war happened and progressed as it did. One of my favorite parts was the reflecting booths, where you could listen to music, poems, etc. from the time. You really could visualize what it would be like to be there. There was also an amazing exhibit on black soldiers and Jim Crow during my visit. I also did the tower, which has panoramic views of Kansas City. Both the black soldier exhibit and the tower had separate ticket fees (though I bought them all at once on a single e-ticket). All staff were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. This museum really taught me a lot. Wish I could go back now that I've had time to reflect. Maybe I will. You should visit too! Totally worthwhile.

Our main reason for coming to Kansas City was to see the museum. We were not disappointed. The buildings are well maintained. The exhibits amazing. Truly tells the story of the war. The staff/volunteers are also wonderful. Friendly and informative. They really love thier museum. I was apprehensive about walking over the glass floor and was offered an alternative back way into the exhibit. Just so caring of my phobia. Thank you!

Really beautiful memorial in the middle of the city. Does feel a little old and outdated but wonderful to see

Really well done museum. Love how they organized their collection and showcased the different trenches of WWI. The center of the museum where it opens up to a battlefield scene with a video was really cool.

Fabulous museum, great scenic view of KC. The poppy field is a great touch. Take a few hours, learn what real hardship is, then make sure to buy a poppy in November.

We went on Memorial Day and are so happy to have come. 1. Free for active duty and veterans. Half price for adults 2. See and learn a lot of the history behind WW1. We learn so much about WWII that sometimes we forget 3. Docents available to answer any questions. 4. Lots of street parking available around the beautiful grassy park area. 5. Definitely worth it to buy tickets for the Memorial Tower where you will see beautiful views. Note: It is windy up there A must must visit when coming to Kansas City

In high school we barely learned about WW1, so I was interested in visiting g this museum. When you enter you watch a 10 minute film giving you the background of the world at the time and what started the war, who was on which side etc. then you wander galleries and see real artifacts and read loads of information. It was so fascinating and well laid out. Loved the experience.

You could arguably say this is THE main Kansas City attraction as an exclusive exhibit for World War I history. It's very well done and visitors of any age will find something of interest. However, some exhibits--especially film segments--may be too intense for young children. It can be very busy during summer months and around special military observances.

While it KC, decided this and the Negro League Museums were a must. Whelp, so like America, only one small 5x6 exhibit for AA veterans. Sad, but not surprising. Maybe the French have a better exhibit....

KC is lucky to have the only WWI museum in the nation. Paris has the only other WWI museum in the world. The amount of memorabilia and artifacts in this museum is impressive. We learned so much watching two short films. This place will educate and entertain children and adults. It's deceivingly huge, there's a lot of walking. Elderly or mobility challenged may need assistance. Highly recommend

An awesome time at the WW1 museum in Kansas City. The film and reenactments were so well done. I learned a lot about the trench type of warfare. The docents were very knowledgeable and friendly. One of the best museums I've been to!

A wonderful museum of World War I, also called "the Great War." The equipment has been expertly preserved and the uniforms of the many solders are in excellent condition. Not only does this museum show many exhibits but also tells the story of that era in time. Showing before, during and the aftermath of the war. If you are even remotely interested in history, I highly recommend

Bottom line: awesome experience. Whether you're a history "buff," an advent historian, or just looking for something cool to do that is uniquely Kansas City, I recommend the National World War I museum be on your list. This museum is curated with lots of historical artifacts and its chronologically laid out so that the observer can follow the "road to war." This museum is also interactive with multiple sound booths and couple of introductory/amplifying videos to get the audience immersed into the context of how the Great War began. It's definitely a must see and experience. Service: made up of mostly volunteers, the service is cordial and fast. Lots of knowledge held by those volunteers and they are willing to share it with you. Venue: clean and deceivingly big. I recommend you bring or put on your walking shoes. There's also the Liberty Tower outside that you can pay to go up to the top, which gives you a striking view of downtown. Well worth it.

Everything you have ever wanted to know about WW1 and so much more. Haunting and fascinating is an understatement. The friendly staff willing to answer any question asked is the icing on the cake. My only warning would be that small children will get bored. If you're ever in Kansas City, MO.

We spent close to three hours here and if we had the stamina to read everything we would have been here much longer. I had never heard of this place until I was exploring things to do on our route home from a road trip to Colorado. The reviews are great and for good reason. The staff is super friendly and helpful. If you have AAA use it because it was one of the best discounts I have ever received at a museum using the card. The layout while compact and divided by before and after the USA's involvement makes sense but is a bit jumbled. Do watch the movie at the beginning and the one between the two major sections. Due to covid the interactive displays were not interactive but to be honest given all of the other material we would not have had time for them anyway. Pay the extra $2 to go up in the tower (if the weather is clear) because the view is great! Parking was easy, plentiful and free on a weekday (post Labor-day).

As a historian, I absolutely recommend you visit this museum if you find yourself in KC. It was worth every penny. World War I is often overshadowed in American History by World War II, which is a shame. Though most of WWI was fought on foreign soil, the war affected this nation in innumerable ways. This museum does a great job of telling the story of WWI. There is a good balance between narrative and exhibition, with interactive and audiovisual components. Very high-tech museum inside an almost century-old building! The history behind the creation and dedication of the museum itself is really interesting, too. Having been all over Flanders and other tenuous WWI battlegrounds, I believe that leaving with a feeling of uneasiness is a sign of success for a WWI museum. There is a beautiful tragedy in "the great war that must never happen again," since hindsight shows us that humans not only repeated it, but bested it. This museum does a great job of capturing that somber regret without sacrificing information or pushing a brash agenda. Quick things: -The staff were SO kind to keep the doors open late for AP graders, we are thankful! -Depending on where you're coming from, you might have to hike up a hill, so be warned -The gift shop is top notch, don't miss it!

One of the greatest historical museums in the world. It is a comprehensive documentary on World War 1. Plan on spending most of a day. This was our second visit and we still have not absorbed it all. This is must for all ages to learn and understand this horrific conflict.