Kansas City Connect

Looking for a day that sparks curiosity and conversation long after the visit ends? The National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City invites explorers of every age to step into stories that feel alive and personal, not distant or dusty. From the moment the doors open, this is a place that turns questions into discoveries and turns a museum visit into a meaningful memory.

Start With the Big Picture, Then Zoom In

The Main Gallery guides visitors through World War I, 1914 to 1919, using personal accounts, objects, films, and interactive displays to bring complex history into sharp, human focus. It’s an easy place to wander and wonder, with moments that feel both intimate and epic all at once. Kids and adults alike can follow the storyline, stop at hands-on features, and find their own favorite pieces in one of the most comprehensive WWI collections anywhere. Plan for 1.5 to 3 hours and allow time to explore beyond the main exhibition.

The View That Makes the City Feel New

Make time for the Liberty Memorial Tower. An elevator ride and a short climb of 45 steps lead to a 360-degree open-air view of the Kansas City skyline that feels like a reward for the curious. The Tower pairs perfectly with General Admission, offering a small yet impactful add-on. It’s the kind of view that nudges fresh conversations about place, time, and the stories told below.

Exhibitions That Spark New Questions

There is always something timely to see. Featured exhibitions rotate in the Wylie Gallery, while special shows add layers to the experience throughout the year. Recent and current highlights include The Little War and additional themed exhibitions that connect personal stories, artifacts, and big ideas in smart, surprising ways. Check the latest before visiting to catch what’s new and what’s ending soon.

Easy Essentials for a Smooth Visit

Address and phone
2 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO 64108 USA. Phone: 816.888.8100.

Summer Hours
Daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Regular Hours
Wednesday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.

General Admission includes the Main Gallery and all galleries except the Featured Exhibition; the Tower and the Featured Exhibition are separate add-ons, with discounts when bundled. Expect simple wayfinding, friendly staff, and leisurely pacing that works for first-time visitors, families, and deep diving history fans alike.

Take a Break and Keep Exploring

Refuel at the Over There Café with a simple, satisfying menu and beverages in a space decorated with WWI era details that keep the story going even over lunch. The Museum Store is open whenever the Museum is open and makes it easy to bring home thoughtful finds, from books and collectibles to gifts that keep learning alive.

A Place With Purpose

The Museum and Memorial is more than a building with artifacts. It is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting, and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the world today.

The mission is clear and inspiring: preserve the Liberty Memorial as a symbol of courage and sacrifice, share history in ways that inform decisions, engage diverse audiences, and care for collections with the highest standards. That spirit shows up everywhere, from the galleries to public programs that welcome lifelong learners and first-time visitors with equal warmth.

Smart Tips to Make the Most of It

• Arrive early to enjoy the Tower before the day warms up and the view gets busy.

• Plan your route: start with the Main Gallery to ground the day, then build in time for the Featured Exhibition and special areas.

• Bring questions. This is a place that rewards curiosity and conversation at every turn.

• Consider membership for unlimited admission, program perks, and store discounts, perfect for locals and repeat visitors who want to return for new exhibitions throughout the year.

Why It Sticks

This is a museum that makes history feel close and personal, with stories that connect to everyday life and choices that still matter. It is a place to pause, look closely, and see the world and this city from a higher vantage point, both literally from the Tower and figuratively through moving human stories. It’s not about memorizing dates. It’s about feeling the thread that ties then to now and leaving with a mind buzzing in the best way.

Plan Your Day

Location: 2 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO 64108 USA
Phone: 816.888.8100
Summer Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day
Regular Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Tuesdays
What to See: Main Gallery, Featured Exhibition, Liberty Memorial Tower, Museum Store, Over There Café
Recommended Time: 1.5 to 3 hours for a relaxed visit with room to explore

For families, solo explorers, date day planners, and curious friends, the National WWI Museum and Memorial offers a day that feels thoughtful, hands-on, and full of wonder, with stories that linger long after stepping back outside to that sweeping skyline.