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National World War I Museum
The Liberty Memorial

"This museum has incredibly important lessons for the present day."
Ralph Appelbaum, Architect




KANSAS CITY, Mo. - On Dec. 2, 2006, the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City opened to the public as the first American, and only national, museum dedicated to preserving the artifacts, history, and experiences of what was deemed "the war to end all wars." Designed by Ralph Appelbaum, the preeminent museum exhibit designer in the world today, the National WWI Museum will showcase a collection of more than 49,000 artifacts and utilize the latest in interactive technology to tell the story of "the Great War" through the experiences of those who lived it. Notable First World War historian, Sir John Keegan participated in the opening events lending his Perspective on the war and the new museum.

Officially designated the National WWI Museum by the 108th Congress, the new 30,000-square-foot core Museum exhibit and companion research center and archives are housed directly beneath the historic Liberty Memorial. The 217-foot Liberty Memorial Tower and two exhibit halls were built by the citizens of Kansas City and dedicated in 1926, by President Calvin Coolidge, in honor of those who served in the World War in defense of liberty and their country.


Opening Day at the Liberty Memorial

The National World War I Museum provides an unparalleled educational and entertainment experience. Beginning with a surreal walk across a glass-floored bridge, beneath which lie 9,000 poppies, each representing 1,000 fallen military fatalities, visitors pass into a vast interactive museum experience designed to elicit an emotional and intellectual response.

"Museums have great stories to tell, stories that reveal something about who we are as a people," said Appelbaum, principal of Ralph Appelbaum Associates. "They are very good places to understand how the past can inform the present and help us engage in the future. This museum, in particular, has incredibly important lessons for the present day. The consequences of the first World War are still with us today, being played out in current events around the globe."

The focus of the new National World War I Museum is to honor the memory and sacrifices of those who served and to provide educational opportunities and insight into the World War I experience.

"We currently have an age-specific curriculum based around the same ideals engraved on the Liberty Memorial - honor, courage, patriotism, and sacrifice - that we share with schools around the region," said Brigadier General Stephen Berkheiser, United States Marine Corps (Ret.) and executive director of Liberty Memorial and the National World War I Museum. "Teachers will be able to use this curriculum in conjunction with an actual field trip to the museum. The interactive component of the museum will be particularly appealing to students and school groups. They will have the ability to role-play and participate in interactive table-top experiences that will let them see the consequences and outcomes of their actions."


One of the Memorial's Famous Murals

In 1998, the citizens of Kansas City voted overwhelmingly to pass a half-cent sales tax to fund a major restoration of the historic landmark memorial. In 2004, Kansas Citians approved a bond issue to construct this world-class museum that has been designed to educate future generations about conflict resolution and provide a global, present-day perspective on the events of World War I.

"This is one of the greatest collections of World War I artifacts anywhere in the world. However, this museum will not just put objects on display; it will put whole events on display. It promises to be one of the most exciting museums in the country," said Ralph Appelbaum.

With the Centennial of the outset of "The Great War" approaching, Kansas City's new museum takes on added significance. "Unlike Europe, America does not have war museums, Appelbaum noted. "What we are building in Kansas City is totally unique and unlike any other museum in the country or the world. It will make Kansas City a must-see destination for those interested in knowledge-based tourism. It also will help us further understand and bear witness to an event that, until now, has been fading from history."

Appelbaum is considered by many to be the top museum designer in the world today. He has been involved in more than 120 museum projects in the last 25 years and is well-known for his work on the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.; the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Ark.; and the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.


The Memorial Today, Home of the America's WW1 Museum



Important Web Pages:

    The National World War I Museum

    The Western Front Association-USA National World War 1 Museum Chapter [We Offer Additional Programs for the Public and Our Members.]

Updated: October 2008

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