National WWI Museum and Memorial image

National WWI Museum and Memorial

Tourist attraction Museum Historical landmark Art museum History museum Local history museum War museum National museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Kansas City


Address

2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

Website

www.theworldwar.org

Contact

+1 816-888-8100

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (7.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

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

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (46) tower (28) Kansas (25) City (25) history (23) great (21) time (19) visit (17) recommend (16) view (15)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Bethany S. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful memorial. The trip up the tower is totally worth it. It's a tight ride on the way up, with a few extra steps (about 1 flight), but the view is gorgeous. The views of the skyline are almost as good from the base of the tower, too. Would love to go back to go through the museums when we have more time. Love that it is one of the only WW I memorials in the country, and it's right in our back yard.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Han S. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice memorial with paid museum inside. However if you just want to stroll by, you can explore the museum ground for free. From the memorial ground you can see the Kansas City skyline (a very nice view when it is not cloudy). The museum itself is informational and the staff members were friendly and helpful. Definitely recommended if you are visiting Kansas City!
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ben R. 4 months ago on Google • 311 reviews
    The National World War I museum is a worthy tribute to the War to End All Wars. I was very impressed by the scale, gravity, and vision of this monument. I visited on a beautiful summer day and went up the tower at night; I recommend the tower at night if the weather is nice. There are a lot of stairs, and the museum may not interest children much.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick&Sarah B. 3 months ago on Google • 544 reviews New
    It is a wonderful experience to see so many artifacts that are authentic to the First World War. Learned so much about weapons and trench warfare and the horrible conditions the soldiers faced. It's worth a visit! It's not your average museum.

  • 5/5 Catherine R. 3 years ago on Google
    Overall, the information, details, and artifacts are incredible. You could spend hours looking at documents and information. It was very entertaining and the timeline was a great representation of war events. I would suggest this Museum to anyone though it may be hard for young children to comprehend the information and writing. My only complaint was how busy it was, we attended on a Saturday which is a lot busier than weekdays. With the number of people inside the exhibition, social distancing was not possible and it made the Museum uncomfortable at times. I wish they would control the number of people inside the main exhibit to allow for more socially distancing. Please note that masks are required and guest were very good about wearing masks correctly. I would definitely go back and see more on a less busy day.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael M. 2 years ago on Google
    Must-see. It's expensive, but it's so worth it. Very nice design. Great displays filled with information. Unfortunately the entire outdoor pavilion and tower were closed when I got there. I spent 2.5 hours there but I also tend to read everything. I would guess most people would need at least 1.5 hours to get a reasonable view of everything. One small beef: The mock trench looked like it would be really cool, but it was difficult to see with the small viewing windows.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert S. 9 months ago on Google
    This is a beautiful, yet serene place. It is a great reminder of the sacrifice that the military men and women of our country have continually been willing to do for our freedoms and for the freedoms of others in other countries. It is also a a great reminder of How our country started. And how blessed we are to be in this country and how those in charge of our country used to put God first. I highly recommend all locals and tourists to visit the site. And read the placard‘s that they took the time to put in when it was founded. This is also a great place to just walk around and burn off some of that great Kansas City food.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Max A. 1 year ago on Google
    This museum and memorial are a must-see in Kansas City. I was surprised at the quality of the artifacts, video presentations, and overall beauty of this culturally significant locale. I enjoyed riding to the top of the towering monument, which offers extensive views of downtown K.C. and the surrounding landscape. As a history aficionado and veteran, I was surprised by how much knowledge I gained. Even for the well read, this museum will teach you facts you were unaware of before visiting. The highlight was their exhibit focusing on prisoners of war, which was highly informative and extremely worthwhile. I have relatives who served in WW1, and my respect and admiration grew significantly as a result of my experience. I highly recommend taking a look!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 karina k. 7 months ago on Google • 275 reviews
    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.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Oliver W. 2 years ago on Google
    This is truly one of the best museums I've ever been to. The subject matter is tragic but fascinating. This is a large museum filled with lots of weapons, uniforms, and tons of information through plaques and videos. Some of the exhibits are quite elaborate sets that put you onto the battlefield. I learned a lot and I enjoyed myself. The cafeteria is FANTASTIC. They serve a variety of authentic foods from the time period. Delicious. Would go back.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zach K. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful rooms with nice setups. They have done themselves really well with this. It is very informative and really tells you the story of World War One in detail. Would definitely recommend buying tickets s in advance and skip the line and wait. It gets full pretty fast. Highly recommend coming here if visiting Kansas City. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gajen J. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing! Yes, simply Amazing place to get some evening walk with beautiful view of Kansas City and Amazing sunset. This is a historical place and wonderful art work done in the memories of world war I veterans. I believe this is one of the best places to visit in US and I highly recommend to everyone. I didn't get chance to go in but I will do it soon. I can't wait to go up in that monument tower and get a wonderful views from the top.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jon H. 8 months ago on Google
    If you are in Kansas City and have any interest in history, particularly WWI history, then please do yourself a favor and visit this excellent memorial and museum. My only regret is that I should have allotted more time to visit. I had about 2 hours and I wished I would have allotted 3-4 hours. I am more of a WWII history buff but wanted to learn more about the First World War. I was able to find out details I hadn’t heard previously and would have loved to have more time to learn more. I paid for the museum entry and the add on for going up the tower. I would recommend doing both for sure. I visited while in town during the week but would have LOVED to check out the virtual tench experience that they offer only on the weekends. I am sure it would have been fascinating and also very humbling to see what the tench experience would have looked like. We are so far removed that I don’t believe folks appreciate what it was really like to endure such warfare and hardship. The few guides I talked to were very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I highly recommend visiting this museum and memorial if you are in Kansas City. Take time to take it all in and really try to understand the conditions of the world, what people sacrificed, and what led up to the war. It was a time of great technological change as well as unrest between nations not unlike what we have been experiencing for several years ourselves now in our current time. We must not forget our past so we do not make the same mistakes again.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Josh E. 2 months ago on Google • 385 reviews New
    The National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, offering a deep dive into World War I's impact through well-curated exhibits and awe-inspiring architecture. The view from the tower provides a unique Kansas City perspective, and the knowledgeable staff enhances the visit. It's a moving experience that leaves a lasting impression.

  • 5/5 Alejandra C. 2 years ago on Google
    A great place to visit for both locals and tourists, specially those interested in history. And yes, you can go all the way up to the top of the tower!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Waruna T. 5 months ago on Google • 38 reviews
    The National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City is an absolute gem for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking a profound understanding of World War I. The museum's exhibits are incredibly well-curated, offering a comprehensive and emotionally resonant journey through the war's impact. The architecture and design of the memorial are awe-inspiring, providing a fitting tribute to those who served. The view from the tower is breathtaking, offering a unique perspective of Kansas City. The knowledgeable staff and informative displays make this museum a must-visit. It's a powerful and moving experience that leaves a lasting impression. Don't forget to go to the top!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emma P. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a large museum with wonderful architecture. The rooms are easy to get lost in, in the fun, adventurous way. The Reflection rooms have a wonderful atmosphere— a soundproof box to let yourself by fully immersed in the music and the stories told. Enjoy a presentation into the mind of the soldiers on the battle fronts, as you look down to see them trek onward. Full of real relics of the time, it could make a great school trip or scavenger hunt. A wonderful place, worth visiting whether you live in Kansas City, or are passing through to elsewhere.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ms. M. 2 years ago on Google
    This museum was a lovely place to spend the day. Having visited there a few times and experiencing the hot air balloon parade first hand, I must say that it’s a good place to gather and experience something unique, especially admits a pandemic as there is plenty of roaming room outside.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nixon C. 4 months ago on Google • 109 reviews
    A must-visit in KC. Though I couldn't capture much inside the museum, the experience at the WWI museum was truly exceptional. The museum impressively covers a vast amount of history with a smart layout, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff adds to the visit. Preserving this history is crucial for educating future generations. *The tower stands as the undeniable centerpiece, deserving of a visit all on its own.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charles H. 7 months ago on Google • 229 reviews
    This is an excellent companion museum to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, and my wife and I are glad we stopped here. They have a comprehensive collection of artifacts, and cover all angles of the war. The politics and social situation in Europe, weaponry, innovations in technology, the Salvation Army and Red Cross, and so much more. They also have brief videos to watch. Overall, this museum is a good place to spend a few hours.

  • 5/5 Patrick V. 9 months ago on Google
    We only visited the park and grounds since the museum was closed when we drove through Kansas City. It is pretty much a park so it's a good place to stop for a picnic. The tower is of course the centerpiece, worthy enough to visit on its own. The area behind the museum has some nice wall sculptures and fountains. It also offers a good view of the Kansas City skyline, especially with Union Station in the foreground.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ron M. 2 years ago on Google
    I loved it...Not just a look at armament, and military prowess, but an honest look at history. As the story plays out, you can see how close the storyline, in that time, reflects and compares to our present times. It's a bit disturbing. All in all a very worthwhile, enlightening visit. Self paced...
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ted K. 2 years ago on Google
    I really like visting here I been here a few times each time they have something new. They have a lot to see and the staff are great and helpful we do enjoy coming out here. This a must visit for all history and military history buffs you will like it we do we highly recommend a visit .
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James E. 1 year ago on Google
    A must-see in Kansas City, the National WW1 Museum and Monument is a beautiful, informative, well-maintained national landmark dedicated to a war that has largely been forgotten about by the American public despite its huge influence in shaping the world we live in today. Anytime someone comes and visits me, I bring them here and all of them have said it's incredible. Tickets are very reasonably priced at $18 per adult or $20 if you buy a combo ticket to go up in the tower (which you should, the view is amazing). While the museum and its associated exhibits cost money and are open from 10-5, the actual memorial and its surrounding grounds are completely free to explore by the public and open at night too. Pro tip: If you have the time, I highly recommend making a second trip to the memorial after sundown as you can treat yourself to the best view of the city skyline while it's all lit up at night
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keisha C. 8 months ago on Google
    Absolutely loved going to this museum. We love history, and this was a great stop. I recommend getting there early definitely in the summertime if you plan to go to the tower to see amazing views of the city. They closed down at noon when we went because of the heat. It is within walking distance to the money museum, and Union Station. They have several things to do, and you learn. I could have spent a couple more hours really digging into the history. Super helpful staff! They have a ton of knowledge and want you to enjoy the museum. We bought 3 combo ticket to go up in the tower and an extra exhibit for $25. I would highly recommend the tower to see KC from a great vantage point.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Becca S. 1 year ago on Google
    This place was great! We went up in the tower, and enjoyed the view from the top. Then we went down and went though the museum. Gave all 3 of my kids a scavenger hunt, which had multiple pages of stuff to do in it. My kids 10, 8, and 4 all loved it and were so excited. Every single employee was so nice and extra friendly to the kids, and we encountered lots of employees, so nice to see it staffed so well! We spent a little over 3 hours going through it. Definitely an A+ visit for us adults, and the kids!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melanie F. 11 months ago on Google
    My husband and I did not go into the museum, but I still wanted to share photos and thoughts. The outside of the museum is quite spectacular, and the views from the top are pretty amazing of Kansas City! We enjoyed this museum without even going in!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bageesh M B. 11 months ago on Google
    Great experience Great place to spend a day with friends and family. Historical place with wonderful arts. View from the top of the tower is just fabulous. Tickets are very reasonably priced at $18 - $20 per adult. If you just want to get in the top of the tower, the price is even less what I remember. Lots of parking areas and a lot of space to walk and chill. Please check the short video and photos attached. I really suggest this place.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sam K. 10 months ago on Google
    Wonderful experience with an amazing staff! As an Army veteran, I appreciated how well the space is taken care of and the amount of history that is displayed. The staff was an equal highlight of the museum as they were all welcoming, informative, pleasant and just really great. Even if you don’t go into the museum, the views and green space can’t be beat!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Greg S. 10 months ago on Google
    Visited in May, 2023. Nestled in Kansas City, Missouri, the WW1 Memorial and Museum is a fantastic sightseeing spot to experience. The memorial opened in 1926 and is the United States' official memorial and museum dedicated to World War 1. It rests upon a plateau that overlooks Kansas City. From the top of the memorial you will have amazing views of the surrounding area, including downtown Kansas City. For a small fee, you can go to the top of the tower for more breathtaking views. The tower is over 200 feet tall. If you are able bodied, a short walk away is Union Station and Crown Center. A short distance more is the Power and Light District. Local historic restaurant, Town Topic, is nearby as well. You can easily see all of these places in a few hours or make the area an all-day outing. The WW1 Memorial includes the Liberty Memorial Mall and parks in the surrounding area. When the National Football League held their player draft in 2023 in Kansas City, they included the entire WW1 Memorial and parks as well as Union Station. Over 300,000 people attended that NFL draft and were comfortably accommodated. If you are going to be in KC or are passing through KC, I highly recommend carving out a little bit of time to enjoy this experience.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Trenton A. 8 months ago on Google
    An absolute treasure of a museum. Their collection is impressive while also easily guiding you throughout the history before, during, and immediately after the war. The view from the tower is pretty great and gives a 360 look over the city. I would highly recommend to anyone even the littlest bit interested in the First World War.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Meansween 8 months ago on Google
    My husband and I were in Kansas City for a couple of days and went to the National WWI Museum. We honestly didn't know much about this world war so glad we did to learn about it. All of the volunteers were very friendly and knowledgeable. We purchased our tickets online and went right when it opened at 10am. There was an entry for those who had tickets already and we got right in with no wait. Reading the other reviews, we went first to the Memorial Tower, again with no wait. The view of Kansas City was fantastic even on a cloudy day. We then viewed the exhibit right next to the tower before going back down to the main level. We did rent the headphones which we listened to as we walked through the exhibits. It was very informative as well as the videos that played in the museum. Definitely worth going to and we learned a lot!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Thierry H. 7 months ago on Google
    A very good and respectful museum Not too expensive. The films are very good and the signs are very helpful. Worth a visit if you're in the area. Unfortunately the tower was closed when we were just passing through. However, I've heard it's possible to go all the way to the top and take some great photos.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 surgioramon 2 years ago on Google
    GREAT VIEW OF KANSAS CITY SKYLINE! The area makes for a great walk and site seeing. It is free to walk to the top of the monument but the small museum does have a fee associated with it. The view of the skyline is worth it. Union Station and the rail are a short walk away.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael P. 7 months ago on Google
    Amazing museum starts with a short video of how things started in WWI, lots of very cool artifacts and a ton of information. Half way through another short video of when America joined the war. The employees were all very helpful and there was some cool stuff at the Museum store for purchase. Will definitely come back again to spend more time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cliff R. 7 months ago on Google
    Really great setup for history buffs. There is a lot of focus on all countries involved as opposed to just the USA. Actual objects from world war 1 are on display everywhere. Highly recommend to anyone if in the area. The tickets are not expensive either.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marc M. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful memorial and wonderful museum. The details in this place really shine through, and the overlook from the top is a must see vantage of KC! They maintain the property really well, if you are looking to get your steps in, come walk in this area. Look up why the sphinx cover their eyes as well!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Caleb R. 2 months ago on Google • 84 reviews New
    I visited on a Saturday for my birthday. It was my first time here and not my last. I can't give a totally honest review because I didn't see it all. We ran out of time, so definitely set aside more than 3 or 4 hours to see it all. But I'm also the kind of person that reads every bit of information, so it probably takes less time if you don't. From what I did see, though, it was an amazing museum. The view from the tower is great and the staff were very nice. The staff also know their stuff they seem to actually enjoy the history of it, so they gave great answers to our questions. This museum was really good. I definitely recommend it if you plan ahead. Definitely don't go like an hour or 2 before they close you wouldn't get to see much and if I remember correctly the tower closes at 4:25 but I could be wrong on that. I loved it, and I will definitely be coming back.

  • 5/5 Jim S. 2 years ago on Google
    Very special experience. This museum really tells an exceptional story of the events leading up to and through the years of 1917 to 1919. Video presentations added excellent context to the exhibit that you are able to see. I couldn’t help ithinking how similar the experiences were back in 1917 to the way they are today. Not a huge leap of faith to see where we’ve been, where we are going, and what we have yet to learn as a country. Well worth a trip and also a beautiful view of Kansas City if you choose to go up in the tower. A+ experience.

  • 5/5 shoe and s. 2 years ago on Google
    It was awesome. Not only do you see weapons, tools and uniforms but there are videos that teach you about the different offensive campaigns, and political situations of the war. So even if you go in with zero knowledge of the war, you can get brought up to speed if you want. It's self paced so you don't have to rush or look at anything you don't want. Really let's you know what life was like at the time. Cafe has sandwiches and wraps, not much else.

  • 5/5 Jeff S. 3 months ago on Google New
    We enjoyed our visit to the WWI museum and though we did not get to see all of the exhibits we enjoyed what we saw and it was from a different perspective that we were used to seeing in France. It was a good visit and we hope to catch the rest at a later date. It talked as well about some of the lesser known aspects of the war: like Japanese and Turkish engagement.

  • 5/5 Doug A. 2 years ago on Google
    A lot of uniforms and weapons from all sides of the war. Movies and presentations were all very informative.

  • 5/5 Toni M. 7 months ago on Google
    My husband loves history! I knew he would be fully immersed at this museum. We spent 1.5hrs here. Didn't get a chance to see the lower level because we had to catch a flight back to GA. Itwas great experience. I would say this is a must stop when visiting KC ❤️

  • 5/5 Andre H. 8 months ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing collection of history. Beautifully laid out to present the events that led up to and ended "The Great War." One could easily spend one or two days reading and seeing the whole collection. Volunteers offer insights to various little known bits and pieces of history, and facilities inside and out are beautifully designed and maintained.

  • 4/5 Amanda L. 9 months ago on Google
    We were in town for a wedding and stopped by the museum as it is highly rated as one of the best things to do in KC. If you like history, this offers a great opportunity to learn about the history and details of WWI that I hadn’t learned through school education. There is just so much to know about how this war came to be. We only spent about 3-4 hours there and felt that was more than enough time. The tower was cool but for an additional $3 it probably wasn’t worth it.


Call +1 816-888-8100 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair rental
    • ✗ Assistive hearing loop
    • ✓️ Assisted listening devices
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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