WWII Museum's 25th Anniversary
Recognizing and celebrating their 25th anniversary, The National WWII Museum is hosting a wide range of events on the museum campus and across the Crescent City from May 29 to June 7.
Further, the celebratory events will honor the museums commitment to sharing the voices of the World War II generation and their embodied values. Welcoming veterans, Holocaust survivors, and Home Front workers, the full slate of events will celebrate and give voice to those that the museum was built to celebrate.
In true anniversary fashion, the events will reflect on the museums achievements since opening on June 6, 2000, and the museums path forward for expanded efforts to educate and inspire future generations.
25th Anniversary Celebration Event Details
2025 American Spirit Awards
May 29 & 30 | Multiple locations
The celebration will start on Thursday, May 29 with the American Spirit Awards Recipient and Patron Party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion. Cocktail attire is recommended.
Starting out the day on Friday, May 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, award recipients will have the opportunity to share their experiences with student leaders from across the country. The Billy Michal Student Leadership Forum is a luncheon presented by Kevin G. Clifford family that will offer guidance to tomorrow's leaders. Business attire is recommended for this event.
To round out the award ceremonies, Hancock Whitney presents a stylish black-tie gala on Friday night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center. Including a three-course meal, the gala aims to extend the highest honor to the admirable Americans who inspire collective excellence.
This year's gala will honor WWII veteran C. Paul Hilliard, New Orleans businessman Donald T. "Boysie" Bollinger and Museum Founding President & CEO Emeritus Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller, PhD.
Dinner with a Curator: "Transforming a Neighborhood: The National WWII Museum and New Orleans American Sector"
June 4 | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Louisiana Memorial Pavilion
Join Museum Vice President of Education & Access Pete Crean in a discussion on the history behind The National WWII Museum's location and WWII-era New Orleans. This event will illuminate the impacts that The National WWII Museum has had on the rejuvenation of the Arts & Warehouse District. Learn more about this event by clicking here.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Book Launch and Reception "Preserving the Legacy: Creating The National WWII Museum"
June 5 | 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Louisiana Memorial Pavilion
This free event open to the public will mark the official launch of Preserving the Legacy. Museum Founding President & CEO Emeritus Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller's new book that shares behind-the-scenes stories about the Museum's founding. Paying tribute to the immense contributions of museum founder Stephen Ambrose, PhD, Dr. Mueller highlights the first 25 years of the institution's history. Learn more about the event by clicking here.
Register to attend the event in-person or virtually to experience the first look at Dr. Mueller's new book.
Remembering the D-Day Fallen
June 5 & 6 | The National WWII Museum Campus
81 years after the D-Day invasion of Normandy, The National World War II Museum will pay tribute to the 2,510 Americans who gave their lives on D-Day through a moving visual light display in Founders Plaza and Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Ground. This event is free and open to the public. Click here for more information about this event.
H-Hour Remembrance Gathering
June 6 | 6:30 a.m. | Founders Plaza
Commemorating the moment that the D-Day invasion of Normandy began, this free event, open to the public, will take place at the same time as H-Hour on D-Day. While the early rise isn't for all, H-Hour on D-Day occurred at 6:30 a.m. local time on June 6, 1944, and this event will allow a true moment to reflect on the sacrifices made that day. Click here to learn more about this gathering.
Heroes' Welcome
June 6 | 8:30 a.m. | The National WWII Museum Campus
Recalling the museum's grand opening on June 6, 2000, the WII Museum will welcome members of the WWII generation to be the first visitors to enter the museum on its distinguished 25th anniversary. When the National D-Day Museum opened its doors on June 6, 2000, many WWII veterans, Home Front workers, and Holocaust survivors were among the first visitors to enter the museum and will do the same at the Heroes' Welcome.
Visitors are invited to celebrate these special guests with fanfare and commemorative cheer along the main entrance on Andrew Higgins Boulevard before the museum opens at 9 a.m. Learn more about the Heroes' Welcome here.
Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration & The Museum's 25th Anniversary Celebration
June 6 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | The US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Presented in memory of D-Day veteran and friend of the museum Dr. Harold "Hal" Baumgarten, the National WWII Museum's annual D-Day commemoration will mark the 81 anniversary of the D-Day Normandy landings and the institution's 25 anniversary. This free event, which is open to the public, will outline the museum's future plans to ensure their mission remains impactful and discuss the influence that D-Day and the war have had on the museum's growth from The National D-Day Museum to The National WWII Museum. To learn more about the D-Day commemoration and museum's anniversary celebration, click here.
Register to attend the event in-person or online to secure your place in remembering this important day in history.
"The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day" Presented by Priddy Family Foundation
June 6 | 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. | Orpheum Theater
This event features an audio-visual art piece, conducted by Hamilton's Ian Weinberger, that encapsulates the harsh and dramatic final months of World War II in Europe. Presented by The National WWII Museum in collaboration with historian John Monsky, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and featuring top Broadway stars, this star-studded program is a must-see. Through the lenses of war correspondents, photojournalists, military personnel, and archival records, Weinberger gives voice to those who served and sacrificed for our country.
25th Anniversary Family and Member Day Presented by Timber and Peggy Floyd
June 7 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | The National WWII Museum
Enjoy free entry to the museum—if you are a kid, student, military personnel, or veteran—or discounted tickets of $25 for adults and seniors. Explore the museum's campus, experience live entertainment, and interactive displays in celebration of The National WWII Museum's mission.
