National Marine Corps Museum

Updated 6/28/2022

The National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC) is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines–past, present, and future. It opened November 10, 2006. It presents history as seen through the eyes of Marines. Spanning the country’s history from our birth in 1775 through the end of the Vietnam War, the Museum traces the path of our nation in turmoil and growth, showcasing the legacy of Marines’ sacrifices during conflict and service in humanitarian efforts. With unique artifacts like the flag flown upon Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima, a Revolutionary War powder horn, and aircraft that helped turn the tide of war, NMMC has something for everyone. In the coming years, NMMC will open galleries covering the years from 1976 through the Global War on Terror. These new galleries will take visitors to Somalia, Beirut, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, humanitarian efforts around the globe, the tragic events of 9/11, and into Iraq and Afghanistan. Stories in the galleries explore the role of the Marine family, the price of freedom, and even Marines who are also professional athletes.

Location: 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Triangle, VA 22172
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except Christmas Day
Cost: FREE — You do not need a reservation to attend the museum.

Click HERE for a map of the museum.

Website: National Museum of the Marine Corps

MUSEUM

Tips & General Information:

• Don’t touch the artifacts or exhibits
• You may bring one clear, sealed water bottle no larger than 20 oz. 
• No food is allowed in the Museum.
• The Museum Store is open and a great place to browse. You can learn a lot just from reading all the signs.
• The Medal of Honor Theater is open.
  • Tickets are $10 for adults. $8 for youth and military.
  • Purchase your tickets HERE.
  • Test your knowledge and listening skills with the free We, The Marines Scavenger Hunt.  Recommended for ages 10+.
• Tun Tavern is open.
  • Tun Tavern is utilizing virtual ordering for dining.
  • Open 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily, except Christmas.
  • Click HERE for a menu.
• Devil Dog Diner is open.
  • Fri-Sun 10 am – 4 pm with regular menu
  • Mon-Thurs 10 am – 2 pm with grab-and-go menu
• The Children’s Gallery is closed.
• The Laser simulated rifle range in Making Marines gallery is open on Saturdays & Sundays.
• Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, located next to the Museum, is open.
• The Children’s Playground is open.

Children’s Activities at the Museum:

Check the website for updates on these programs. Some may not be happening because of Covid.

• Family Day: The second Saturday of every month is “Family Day” at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Children of all ages are invited to participate in fun, educational, hands-on activities as they learn about Marine Corps history.
• Preschool Playdate: Join the museum every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 10:00 am to 11:30 am for Preschool Play Date! 
• Gallery Hunts: Explore the Museum with these engaging and interactive hunts. Gallery Hunts use pictures and questions to encourage learning and discussion about particular items of interest to children ages 4-10.
  • Little Leatherneck Gallery Hunt
• Marine Corps Worksheets can be found HERE.
• The Marine Corps Museum offers a Homeschool Science program and FREE summer camps. More information can be found HERE.

SEMPER FIDELIS MEMORIAL PARK

Semper Fidelis Memorial Park overlooks the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Dedicated to the service of all Marines, it is a place of remembrance and reflection. 

You will enjoy the great outdoors while learning about Marine Corps history through the monuments along the trails. Semper Fidelis Memorial Park includes 1.07 miles of trails.

Download a park map HERE.

To learn more about the park, click HERE.

CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND

An interactive children’s playground at the Marine Corps Heritage Center has three levels of entertainment to swing, jump and climb. There’s also a small fitness trail adjacent to the playground.

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We’ve been going to the Marine Corps Museum for years. I’ve lost count of how many times we have been. Our most recent visit was June 28, 2022. This has been our go to museum when family or friends have come to visit. It’s close and we don’t have to fight the DC traffic.

When our kids were younger, we’d hit the museum for an hour or two and then head to the Children’s Playground. The kids would never want to leave.

As they’ve gotten older, we’ve spent more time looking at the exhibits. There really is so much to see. There are temporary exhibits and traveling exhibitions.

Many of the exhibits are realistic. For example, in the Korean War exhibit “visitors feel the cold; they hear the Chinese soldiers advancing up the snowy mountain and watch the Marines prepare for the next attack.”

The kids always love testing out their skills.

Final Phase – Completing the Circle

Construction on the Museum’s 115,000 sqft “Final Phase” building is complete. The museum is working on the gallery spaces which will tell the Marine Corps story from 1976 through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. You can go upstairs and look over these gallery spaces. The projected completion date is late 2024 or early 2025.

Prince William Forest Park and Locust Shade Park with a ninja warrior course are nearby.