National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Museum of the Marine Corps
5
Military MuseumsSpeciality MuseumsHistory Museums
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines--past, present, and future. Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and under the command of Marine Corps University, the Museum's soaring design evokes the image of the flag-raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to this 120,000-square-foot structure. World-class interactive exhibits using the most innovative technology surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action. Admission and parking are always free.
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  • John
    Arlington, Virginia14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Impressive museum
    This museum is the history of the Marine Corps told by the Marine Corps -- and all that that means. Its exhibits are comprehensive, impressive, inspiring, but also honest and frank about what war is and what it means for those who serve. It does not shy away from the ugliness as some military museums might, but it also does not apologize for what the Marine Corp is. I highly recommend any with an interest in history, politics, and American life to visit. Some of the artifacts on display are special to see with one's own eyes. For me the highlight was seeing one of the American flags from the famous pictures of the flag raisings on Iwo Jima during World War 2. Our two boys really enjoyed the kids section and seeing all the large-scale military hardware.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 30 October 2023
  • S6792XGmichaelc
    Hixson, Tennessee205 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must for all
    Amazing, Plan to take your time. If you were in the service or not this place is great. If you love history it’s a must. If you love to learn you should go. The place is beautiful with life size display and real planes. Take your time and have lunch at the pub. Definitely a must you may even need to viist more than once
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 December 2023
  • 1RaiderFan
    Schenectady, New York726 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see.
    This is my second time here and learning new things each time. I was a little disappointed. The Iraq and Afghanistan display were closed, but looking forward to a third time. As a marine, I just been with pride as I walk through the galleries and speak to the staff that worked there. Truly a gem. Do not hesitate to go if you’re in the area.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 22 December 2023
  • Archie
    Glenmoore, Pennsylvania7,749 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Inspirational and a credit to the corp
    We enjoyed our visit. Its a free entrance and plenty of parking. The volunteers are wonderful and immensely knowledgeable. We enjoyed seeing the planes hung around the museum. Its a huge space. Plan for at least couple of hours. Food us onsite. Great learning about history and different wars. The museum is done very well. It's also interactive.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 23 December 2023
  • montanapescado
    Albuquerque, New Mexico1,472 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic Destination!
    Given the long and rich history of the United States Marine Corps, this isn't a very large museum, but it is exceptionally well curated, organized, and presented. Every exhibit has significance and holds interest. Even the on site movie was of top quality. I want to go again!
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 17 February 2024
  • dbinhou7511
    Houston, Texas1,639 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must-see museum!!
    Needed more time to see everything. At least the suggestion from the Marine at the front desk was a good one - see the WW2 section. The museum is well laid out and honors all who have put on the uniform to be a Marine. Thanks to their service and sacrifice!
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 May 2024
  • Gundoctor 913A
    Lexington, South Carolina431 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    FROM THE HALLS OF MONTEZUMA…
    Such a great museum! As of this writing, they are in “Final Phase”, currently finishing up the date range of about 1980 - present. The museum is very well laid out, in chronological order starting from the American Revolution up through modern day. The different time periods encircle a huge central atrium that has numerous aircraft and life-size dioramas decorating it. The very first part of the museum takes you through Marine Corp Boot Camp, which is entertaining for those who have experienced it. The museum is absolutely loaded with Marine Corps artifacts, equipment, weapons, vehicles, models and numerous life-size dioramas. The museum is deceptively large. I was there starting at 9 AM. It took me a full hour to walk the outdoor memorial walkway. It took me six more hours to weave my way through the entire museum. Although I was unable to get into the two final exhibits because they were still under construction; you are able to look down on all of the exhibits from an encircling second floor balcony, and I was able to see most of the two final exhibits that way. I ate lunch and an early dinner at the museum. I do not recommend the cafeteria as they are literally serving the same crap you get at a military chow hall. On the other hand, I highly recommend Tun Tavern because the food was good and so was the beer. Overall, I absolutely loved this museum and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the military or American history.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 23 June 2024
  • Michal
    Warsaw, Poland1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    10/10
    Amazing museum, well made and free! I was really astonished by some of the exhibits especially WW2. Sadly afganistan and iraq part is opening in october but other then that museum is straight up 10/10. Highly recommend if you have few hours
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 19 September 2024
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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles1,178 reviews
Excellent
1,106
Very good
62
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
1

Chris M
Pocono Mountains Region, PA468 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2022
This offers a superb presentation of the history of the Marines: Engrossing, informative, immersive. The dioramas, the displays, the artifacts all blend together cohesively to give you a big picture of the history of this branch of the military. We were here for four hours (including lunch) and could have spent another hour. If you are into military history or just want to learn more about the Marines, highly recommend.
Written 7 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN5,970 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
Outstanding museum telling the story of the USMC from the inception of the Marine Corp to modern day. All fans of military history will enjoy. The WWII exhibit was my favorite section and seeing the actual flag flown on Iwo Jima was pretty amazing. Need a minimum of 2 hours to visit and could easily spend the whole day here looking at all the exhibits.
Written 24 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ArtsyGalBaltimore
Maryland847 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020
Visited the National Museum of the Marine Corps on a fall Saturday. We spent 2.5 hours, and it was not nearly enough time, having only gotten through the Cold War/Korean War section. Went to the 74th anniversary at Normandy and visited some many niche museums. This was a totally different experience, clearly designed by historians and multi-media specialists to maximize appeal to a broad audience. I learned so much about the fighting spirit of the Marines with a honest appraisal of each battle. This museum motivates you to learn more about the Marines and their sacrifices. Though it seemed that many were former or current marines and their families touring the building, I believe this is a museum for all American citizens. Whether you are a military buff or not, the aerial displays in this architectural central lobby are amazing. The patriotic quotes and machismo on the surrounding walls deserve attention. The gift shop has a broad arrange of choices. This museum makes one proud.
Written 22 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

John K
New Bern, NC9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2022
Great history of the Marine Corps. Lots of detail, photos and near real life experiences are presented. The audio and visual displays along with very interactive sections make it a fun and enjoyable experience. Provides opportunity to respect the Marines of the past and shows lots of modernization aspects for the future. Museum was much larger than expected, museum also provides knowledgeable people thoughtout the various sections if you have questions.
Written 15 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

harryatkck
Kansas City, KS986 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
This museum does a great job of the telling the history of the Corps from the beginning of our country to present day. There are no fees to visit & there is plenty of free parking. The best way to see the museum is to go left after you enter. There is a long hallway with exhibit areas on the left that you can enter to see different time periods of Marine Corps. When you come out of these areas into the long hallway keep going until you see the next exhibit area on your left. Once you are done seeing all of these exhibit areas there are other things to see. This place is a must see.
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LAFFSTOP
Mission Viejo, CA222 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2022
Camaraderie, Courage, and Fidelity are all on display here.

Once a Marine always a "Marine" both in Peace and at War

This museum is overwhelming so don't rush. Catch some fish and chips in the restaurant/ bar on the second floor. Service was friendly, speedy and the "chow: was tasty.
Written 3 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brendan S
Arlington, VA2,152 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
The Marine Corps Museum will likely interest anyone who sees the soaring structure evoking the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima right next to I-95. I finally got around to visiting and found that it was just as impressive inside. The Museum is impeccably clean and seems new, though it opened in 2006. There's an extensive outdoor park with a winding path decorated with various memorials to Marine units and battles that are gleaming without a speck of dirt. This place is cared for well, as it should be considering the subject matter.

The Museum has galleries around the beautiful atrium, which is filled with Marine planes, a helicopter and landing vehicle. The galleries take an in depth look at the whole history of the Marine Corps, focusing on the major wars. As with most military museums, there are many uniforms and weapons on display, with rooms that take you into battle scenes (the Chosin Reservoir room was even chilled!) There's also a section devoted to training Marines and an art gallery and restaurant on the second floor.

Unfortunately, a number of interactive exhibits, several theaters and a real rifle range on site were closed due to the pandemic when I visited. They are also in the process of constructing major new galleries devoted to conflicts since the Vietnam War. It's a free museum and will look forwarding to visiting again when the closed exhibits and new galleries are open.
Written 13 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jerry B
Apple Valley, MN29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2022
The museum is arranged to give the visitor a chronological view of the Marine Corps history. It has done a superb job of presenting that information in visual, auditory and photographic detail. We spent the entire day at the museum and did not get to see it all, so we will be making a return visit sometime in the future. This is definitely one of the best museums, of any kind, that I have ever had the opportunity to visit and at no cost as it is a free museum. I definitely recommend it to everyone and especially to those who have served in the Marine Corps.
Written 30 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

OleMissTexas
Lewisville, TX110 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020 • Friends
As we were driving up to visitor Mount Vernon, we saw the sign on the road for this museum. It was “unexpected”bonus, especially for me, to be able to visit the USMC Museum. It was outstanding and I encourage everyone, if you get a chance, to visit. You will not be disappointed. Need to plan 4+ hours for this visit
Written 12 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

W2322CLjennifers
Smithfield, VA60 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2021
My family and I were impressed with the extensive exhibits. We brought my grandfather, who rather enjoyed the displays. There are wheelchairs available. We ate lunch at the Tug Tavern upstairs; it had good prices, good portions, and good food. We spent the entire afternoon at the museum, and did not get to see everything. We look forward to returning and seeing more, including the new exhibits being constructed and the outdoor areas.
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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