A museum dedicated to telling the story of the United States Army will open on June 4, 2020 in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, about 20 miles south of Washington, D.C.
The National Museum of the United States Army will honor U.S. soldiers and provide “an interactive educational experience explaining the Army’s role in creating and defending our nation,” according to the museum’s website. The Army Historical Foundation, the Army’s official fundraising entity for the museum, announced the opening date on Wednesday.
“The Army has served American citizens for 244 years, protecting the freedoms that are precious to all of us,” said Ryan D. McCarthy, the acting Secretary of the Army, in a press release. “Millions of people have served in the Army, and this museum gives us the chance to tell their stories to the public, and show how they have served our nation and our people.”

Work on the museum began in 2016. It will feature a 185,000 square foot main building with artifacts, documents, photographs and artwork sourced from the Army Art Collection, an Army Theater where visitors can experience “earthshaking moments,” an experiential learning center, and a cafe. According to the museum, most of the artifacts haven’t been displayed before.
The museum will have three main galleries, including one called “Fighting for the Nation.” Its six mini-galleries will each cover a different period in the Army’s history, from the early militias of the Revolutionary War to the present-day wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Architectural plans for the 84-acre museum campus also include a memorial garden, amphitheater, and parade ground that can be used to host everything from Army reunions to reenactments.
The $200 million museum will be funded solely through private donations. More than 178,000 people have donated about $175 million so far, according to the Foundation.
Admission will be free, but visitors will need to reserve tickets online prior to arriving at the museum. Visitors can sign up to be alerted by email when tickets are available.
Mikaela Lefrak


