National Veterans Memorial and Museum image

National Veterans Memorial and Museum

National museum

👍👍 This was the best museum I have been to in years. It was incredibly moving. The stories told by the soldiers themselves will bring you to tears. People often mention museum, veterans, great, visit, Veterans, building, Columbus, experience, floor, free,


Address

300 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, United States

Website

www.nationalvmm.org

Contact

+1 888-987-6866

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (665 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (29) veterans (23) great (21) visit (18) Veterans (16) building (15) Columbus (14) experience (14) floor (13) free (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Mike J. 1 year ago on Google
    This was the best museum I have been to in years. It was incredibly moving. The stories told by the soldiers themselves will bring you to tears.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Timothy K. 2 years ago on Google
    This is the first national museum for All who have served in the United States Military, and are now called a Veteran. Completed in 2018. It opened its doors to the public. This is a fantastic contribution to all of our Veterans who have ever served. There is also a small scavenger hunt for kids. You go and walk around trying to find key points and images or items that are being told around the center. There are three levels. As you come in the doors, which you have to walk up a ramp on the East side of the building. As you open the doors, you are greeted with a delightful welcome. You can either pay inside or prepay on the website. All Veterans are free. Kids I believe are $5 and Adults are $10. You are start on the right and walk around until you make a complete circle. As you end the walk, there is a staircase going down to an area that talks about specific Veterans and tells a little about their story. As you make your way across and around to the right, there is also a little room for any Veteran to tell their story if they wish! But wait.. there’s more.. As you make your way up the stairs or elevators, you have an opportunity to go to a third deck. Here .. is a special occasion and opportunity to witness the beauty of all the colors. Beautiful stain glass windows and doors of multiple ribbons that Veterans receive while in service to country! You can even go outside on top of the roof and see the great city of Columbus! Lastly, there is a quiet and meditation garden around the back end of the building. When you go in, ask about it! It really is a neat place for quietness. Oh.. one more thing.. if you live in the Columbus area, and are interested in “Jujitsu”, this building has a basement as well. Ask about it and come join a team of professionals that will help build many inspirations for a great mind set of self disciple and respect.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Royal House M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to visit if you’re interested in learning about the Veterans who have served our nation. Staff was also friendly and very helpful.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Isaac K. 2 months ago on Google • 1450 reviews New
    A great experience to learn something new!

  • 5/5 Roger D. 1 year ago on Google
    I didn't make it inside but the building and memorial grove are beautiful. Also the views of the Columbus skyline are great.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Erie S. 1 year ago on Google
    Was in town to go to a show and thought this would be worth a stop. There was no wait and the staff was very pleasant. I enjoyed talking with the veteran volunteers. Took us about 45 minutes to take everything in. It was kind of a shame that we were the only 2 there. Parking lot is located nearby.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tony M. 1 year ago on Google
    Veterans park free. The staff was friendly and helpful. Very moving experience for me and my wife as veterans. Make sure to walk outside to see the memorial water fall.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve H. 8 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    This is a fairly new museum , but it is done very well and respectful to the brave men and women who have sacrificed for this country. Was also a very serene circle walk outside in the back of the museum for reflection and remembrance.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kathleen P. 1 year ago on Google
    Sen. John Glen was instrumental in bringing the National Veterans Memorial and Museum to Columbus, Ohio. Presents the history and is a tribute to those men and women who have served. Beautiful and symbolic use of color and light representing military insignia. Veterans have no entry fee.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily R. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful and informative exhibits. Super friendly staff who were also veterans. The exhibits were moving and so important for us Americans to see and understand the experiences and stories of veterans. Such a gem of a place to have in Columbus. Pay this place a visit. It is a wonderful experience.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keith P. 2 years ago on Google
    Great bunch of people. Very friendly staff. Plan to spend a few hours here. It is educational, inspirational, and emotional. I highly recommend visiting this memorial. Truly worth your time. I wish more people would see what or veterans are going thru durings wars and after.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Krista S. 2 years ago on Google
    My husband (a Navy Veteran) and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The exhibits were informative and powerful and the section highlighting PTSD experiences was particularly moving. The staff and volunteers were so kind and helpful, which just made for the perfect day!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike E. 3 months ago on Google • 513 reviews New
    It was amazing, the story's the staff was great, so much knowledge and history. The artwork was amazing, and the photos hung in the lobby showed past to the future of soldiers transamation

  • 5/5 dbcanup 3 months ago on Google • 400 reviews New
    Interesting place.

  • 5/5 Sheri L. 9 months ago on Google • 98 reviews
    My husband is a retired veteran and I always want to learn about his experiences- and about our great country. So when he suggested a visit - we went. We were greeted at the front door by a retired veteran (Jim). Not only did he share quite a bit about this amazing place, but gave us the feeling of belonging. I must admit, there were a few places that I felt a tear or two. We also went outside to the memorial gardens and waterfalls. Lovely.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Grant W. 4 months ago on Google • 90 reviews
    An incredibly well-done and touching museum focusing directly on the men and women who have served in the armed forces. There are not a lot of artifacts on display as the museum focuses instead on the servicemembers themselves and their stories. Sit down, relax, and watch the videos that play throughout the museum. Read the letters. The building itself is gorgeous, as is the view from the top of the museum
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joan R. 5 months ago on Google • 300 reviews
    Very well displayed memorabilia throughout the years. Take your time and allow to let it get at your heartstrings. Thank you ALL for your service.

  • 4/5 Elizabeth D. 1 year ago on Google
    Admission and parking are free if you are a veteran. Also can get free admission if you get a Columbus metro library card and ask for a culture pass. Information on all of the wars beginning with the Revolution. Helpful staff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roger B. 3 years ago on Google
    This museum will get you thinking. The people you meet thru the videos make you think of all the Veterans that did not come back. There is a great exhibit about PTSD, I think it is a must see. (Exhibit there until January 2nd)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jackie W. 9 months ago on Google
    Plan to spend an hour and a half to 2 hours here. Lots of information to read and listen to. They change displays on the bottom floor about every 6 months or so. There is a wheelchair entrance on the bottom floor and an elevator to take you to the main floor and top floor. The top floor is a small floor in memory of soldiers who gave all.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Eric G. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice museum with great potential but it needs more. It's small and a bit expensive.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel S. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a beautiful building in and out. I think it is a great tribute to our veterans and very tastefully done.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily C. 3 years ago on Google
    I absolutely LOVE this museum! My family and I think it’s better than the Rock N Roll HOF! The tickets are fairly priced, and even the souvenirs are fairly priced! The exhibits were so technologically advanced which made the experience super educating, interactive, and amazing. The staff is very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful as well. I would recommend that everyone should go here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian M. 4 years ago on Google
    This place is a treasure. A great structure and tribute to our veterans. It does an amazing thing, it remembers. To those who served it can be healing and to those who never came home it stands to say "thank you - you will not be forgotten ". Please come and visit and give honor to those who serve. This place is full of interactive exhibits and the architectural approach is very unique. So glad this is in Columbus.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 julie p. 3 months ago on Google • 201 reviews New
    Well the pros are that it is a beautiful building, the staff that we encountered were very friendly. Active Military, veterans, and gold star family members get in free and park for free. We are veterans and gold star. There are a lot of stairs however there is an elevator, and bathrooms on each floor. The cons are that it is quite underwhelming and not a lot on display. Some of the displays were very interesting, but the third floor is just a little tiny area. Basically nothing in the bottom floor. It is just some canvas paintings that people painted that are abstract. So many more artifacts could have been placed in this museum. Which is why we go. All of the fallen In Ohio, I at least thought they would have a wall or some listing from each war and their names. My brother was killed in Iraq, so we were not sure what we would encounter here. There were a few videos and little things to read, but not a lot. It's also not inclusive of all conflicts to honor all of our military, like it says it's supposed to be. It's a nice place and I do recommend going. But be prepared for it to be very small. And nothing like other military museums I've been in. For people that have to pay the full rate plus parking to get in, I don't know that it's worth it.

  • 5/5 Anita A. 6 months ago on Google • 124 reviews
    What an amazing place for veterans or anyone interested in history. A wealth of knowledge and well done exhibits throughout. Everything is maintained nicely and love that you can get on the roof and see the city’s skyline. Lots of areas to walk around the museum too, a must see!

  • 5/5 M R P. 2 months ago on Google • 99 reviews New
    Lived in Columbus most of my life finally made it to the memorial. Well worth the visit.

  • 5/5 Marcy W. 4 months ago on Google • 31 reviews
    What an amazing tribute to our veterans. The building is beautiful and the exhibits are even more so. A must see!

  • 5/5 michelle r. 7 months ago on Google • 23 reviews
    Was amazed at how much detail they had on the wars and so many of the veterans who served our country...very near artifacts such as letters and memorabilia.. If your interested in history definetly recommend

  • 5/5 Mike C. 8 months ago on Google • 18 reviews
    This museum is so special, because it celebrates our country and the veterans that has given so much. Great exhibit and time well spent

  • 5/5 Michael R. 9 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    What an amazing experience! I was greeted right when I walked in. They explained the whole museum and John Glenn's work in making it become a reality! I absolutely loved everything about it!! Everyone e should have a chance to experience the NVMM!!

  • 3/5 Saint J. 1 year ago on Google
    The museum itself looks quite nice but I feel the content inside is not up to par. The exhibit is also quite small

  • 4/5 T P. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a should-see visit if in the area. The displays present a great view of veteran experiences. Plan at least an hour. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Guides and volunteers help make the visit more informative. Parking is convenient and free for veterans. Admission is free for veterans; otherwise it is a bit pricey at $17 per adult. Memberships are available.

  • 5/5 Rick H. 3 years ago on Google
    The walking trail has a couple features. Ramp to roof is closed half way up. They are resurfacing the roof.

  • 5/5 Jeff M. 1 year ago on Google
    Outstanding museum dedicated to veterans of all armed forces. Top notch exhibits and interactive displays. Room to grow. Highly suggest a visit if you are anywhere in the Columbus, OH area!

  • 5/5 Carole K. 1 year ago on Google
    Google maps turned me into a monthly rate parking only lot. To leave there is no left turn. So I went straight at light and turned around. Short walk to the entrance. The parking is $8 with variables. It has a nice round layout. Nice and clear info on signs. The second floor gives a nice overview to entrance floor. Roof walk gives a city view and a peak to the memory gardens. That is accessible by an outside ramp. So peaceful and nice waterfall sounds.

  • 5/5 Mooserella 7. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice Veterans Memorial, good exhibits and very well done. So glad it's finally become a place of honor to those who served instead of the previous building. Worth a visit anytime but was truly a nice experience on Memorial day with all the speakers, band, fly over, a fitting tribute.

  • 5/5 Bren T. 1 year ago on Google
    SOLD OUT! Great evening for a good cause🦋Eat Up Columbus is a city soirée celebrating community, collaboration, and changemakers in Columbus, while raising essential funds to support Freedom a la Cart’s work to empower survivors of human trafficking. This year’s event will be held on July 30th, a date identified by The United Nations as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, bringing light to the issue of human trafficking worldwide. The event’s rooftop setting provides a view of the city skyline where friends will mingle, enjoy local music, taste hors d’oeuvres highlighting area restaurants, and hear stories of impact. Guests are encouraged to dress in white to resemble the blank canvas survivors are given when they embark on a fresh start and new life of freedom. Freedom a la Cart Cafe + Bakery Eat Up Columbus 7.30.22 | World Day Against Trafficking

  • 5/5 B C. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome experience... We have forgotten how to appreciate the countless lives that have been lost to make this a Great Country. Sacrifices were made and continue today. Appreciate the Military and the Families that support them. Use the experience to be thankful for all the freedom you come to take advantage of.

  • 5/5 Josh V. 1 year ago on Google
    Smaller museum and kind of pricey. Really enjoyed the up to date material. Took us ~1.5 hours to complete. Knowledgeable, friendly staff. Parking is $8.

  • 5/5 Joseph P. 1 year ago on Google
    It very impressive they a great job 👍 I myself didn't serve but I had lots of friends and highschool who did serve in Vietnam. When you see any veteran thank them. 🙏 When you see someone wearing a Vietnam veteran. Shake his or hers hand and welcome them home 🏡 you will put a smile on their face 😊

  • 5/5 William K. 3 years ago on Google
    What a fantastic place! I'd recommend spending time to see the fantastic displays.we spent several hours doing the tour. A great tribute to all veterans and their families.

  • 5/5 Todd C. 1 year ago on Google
    The exhibits are well done and the building itself is part of the experience. Well worth the visit. We went on President's Day and admission was only $1.

  • 5/5 Ken E. 8 months ago on Google
    Very attractive building and grounds; the inside of the building was pretty cool. All of the Armed Services were represented and various parts of the military life were showcased. This is a great place for Veterans to take family members and friends to show them what it meant to be in the military. The upper floor stained glass with the colors of various medals was fantastic!

  • 3/5 Robert H. 7 months ago on Google
    It was free for veterans still serving. They have some insightful displays--mostly informational displays. Not very many artifacts and no dioramas, but still worth visiting.

  • 5/5 Bob R. 8 months ago on Google
    Absoulty breathtaking. The docent gave a great overview upon arrival. Everything was well organized. This was an important experience for vets and non-vets.

  • 5/5 Konrad L. 3 years ago on Google
    Great architecture. The guide was happy to explain that the hart wood floor is a special product from Germany. It's called Hochkantlamellenparket! Fortunately I'm German and Architect and used this material in my House in Greenville/ SC The museum is very new and opens 2 month before.

  • 5/5 Mike S. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit on Veterans Day. Truly a tribute to all the men and women serving our country. Lots of educational displays and stories of life in the military both in peace and war. These individuals took an oath to protect our democracy and the Constitution of the United States, not because they saw personal gain, but because they loved this country. Every person serving or having served in the military deserves a salute. This is a good place to connect with thoughts such as these.

  • 5/5 John B. 4 years ago on Google
    Very well done

  • 5/5 Ron K. 3 years ago on Google
    Thought stimulating of memories and our future. Well worth the time and price. We're lucky to have such a great museum near us.

  • 5/5 Jenny P. 3 years ago on Google
    The volunteers are wonderful!

  • 5/5 Birdie B. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing!

  • 5/5 Blake B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit with the family in town. Military veterans and active get in free! Beautiful mezzanine

  • 5/5 Susan G. 3 years ago on Google
    The water color display was great! A very nice place to visit.

  • 5/5 LuzAngela & Joshua L. 3 years ago on Google
    Spectacular view

  • 3/5 Everage B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great artifacts and displays

  • 5/5 Theresa F. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice tribute to all Veterans! Also loved the Bob Hope exhibit we were lucky to catch!

  • 5/5 lynn m. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place. Very emotional

  • 4/5 Joe H. 3 years ago on Google
    It was a fun interactive musem

  • 5/5 Jason N. 3 years ago on Google
    The Museum and Memorial is a wonderful experience. A nice display of history of veterans and their service to our great nation. Today we saw the rotating exhibit honoring Bob Hope. Learned some new tidbits about him and the USO Shows operations.

  • 4/5 Dan 4 years ago on Google
    Paid $8 to park and $16 a person to get in. It was interesting but not worth the price.

  • 5/5 Brian D. 4 years ago on Google
    If you want to start to understand the stories of veterans, then this is the place.

  • 5/5 Allen F. 4 years ago on Google
    Was a very sobering event.GREAT displayed and awesome information about soldiers and the patriotic duty to America.The only thing is theres alot of blood spilled on this flag of ours that most people don't know or they take it for granted.Serious stuff and l came out there with no picture except l took the front of the building.For a sad visit but a good reminder on who and what America stands for.Freedom for all.

  • 5/5 Bailey E. 4 years ago on Google
    Place was beautiful. Great experience.

  • 5/5 Jaryn R. 4 years ago on Google
    Well worth a visit, very wonderful museum

  • 5/5 Kevin W. 3 years ago on Google
    Veterans get in free. SO much to see and respect.

  • 5/5 Rebecca R. 3 years ago on Google
    Worth it. Went to see Mary Whyte exhibit which was beautiful. Paintings of veterans from every state. Then took in museum. Video exhibit of vet stories was compelling. History of all wars. Very well done.

  • 5/5 Rodney B. 3 years ago on Google
    Love it. Wonderful dedication to the Veterans of America.

  • 5/5 Terri W. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent museum!

  • 5/5 Spare 1 P. 3 years ago on Google
    Very well done.

  • 5/5 Brad R. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful experience getting to learn and appreciate veterans. !!

  • 5/5 Steven K. 4 years ago on Google
    Worth the time to visit. Must do in Columbus.

  • 5/5 Tara R. 2 years ago on Google
    I was here for a training event that was held here with my work and we got to take a tour but this place is a place that I will absolutely be going back to so that I spend spend more time there. It is an incredible place to see and explore it's very emotional to see it and all and take it all in but loved every second of it!

  • 5/5 OH is H. 4 years ago on Google
    The History of our great nation, and the sacrifices made for our freedoms, comes alive in this museum. But also does a good job of honoring the ones that had to pay the overwhelming price for that. Great job done in this beautiful building and grounds. My 13 year old grandson loved it. Veterans visit is a free admission always.

  • 5/5 Heather B. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing hidden gem of a museum.

  • 5/5 Tom D. 4 years ago on Google
    Engaging museum with a great collection from the civil war to today

  • 5/5 Tracey S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful building. Moving exhibits. We arrived just in time for a guided tour which we followed for a bit, we eventually left it to spend time looking at the exhibits. Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 James D. 4 years ago on Google
    It was good great place to go to learn history

  • 5/5 Ben F. 4 years ago on Google
    It's the story of veterans.

  • 3/5 James H. 4 years ago on Google
    I was actually a little disappointed. First just because its winter the main entrance is not available so instead you have to walk thru some hidden side door & go thru part of the museum just to get to the desk to pay the entrance fee. Once inside the museum I dont see what all the hype is about. I'm a veteran & expected more. It's ok to see it once I guess but I definitely wont be making this a permanent stop on my museum tours.

  • 4/5 Mj H. 2 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    There is a beautiful view to take pictures of the city of Columbus.


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