NEW ORLEANS — Throughout July 2026, The National WWII Museum is offering half-price general admission to Louisiana residents — the perfect opportunity for local visitors to beat the summer heat while seeing what’s new or discovering this world-renowned institution for the first time. Ranked as the top attraction in New Orleans by Tripadvisor, the Museum is a must-see for history lovers of all ages and backgrounds, bringing history to life through immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences and an expansive collection of artifacts and personal accounts.
In order to receive the Louisiana Residents Month discount, visitors must present a valid Louisiana state ID at the Museum’s ticketing counter July 1–31. For additional fees, visitors can also choose to include Beyond All Boundaries, the Museum’s newly remastered 4D cinematic journey through the war, or the Freedom Theater experience, which explores what was at stake during World War II and the meaning of Allied victory. The 50 percent discount is limited to four admissions per ID. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online.
Louisiana residents can make the most of their staycations at The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center, the official hotel of The National WWII Museum. Located in the heart of the Arts & Warehouse District, The Higgins Hotel is an extension of the Museum experience replete with era-inspired guest rooms and suites, exceptional dining, and state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces. In honor of the Museum’s 26th anniversary this year, discounted rooms are available throughout the summer, with rates as low as $125 per night (blackout dates and restrictions apply).
More Happening in July
Visitors can kick off the month and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the Museum this Fourth of July — the ideal occasion to be immersed in the wartime experiences of the WWII generation and reflect upon the war that changed the world. Families can create birthday cards for the United States during Storytime at the Museum featuring the book Happy Birthday to You! by Dr. Seuss. The Museum’s acclaimed vocal trio, the Victory Belles, will hold a special free performance, and stations will be set up around campus for visitors to purchase customized dog tags. Plus, The American Sector Restaurant & Bar and Rosie’s on the Roof will be offering festive food and drink specials, and Rosie’s patrons will also be able to enjoy the Riverfront fireworks display at 9:00 p.m.
Two limited-time special exhibitions will be on display in July. Created by the Museum and open now in the Joe W. and Dorothy D. Brown Foundation Special Exhibit Gallery, Come Back Fighting: USS New Orleans at War chronicles the powerful story of the USS New Orleans (CA-32) and her veteran crew whose courage and resilience mirrored the spirit of the decorated heavy cruiser’s namesake city. Drawn to Combat: Bill Mauldin and the Art of War, opening July 16 in the Senator John Alario, Jr. Special Exhibition Hall, explores the life and legacy of American cartoonist Bill Mauldin. The exhibit traces his influential career — from his early work through the front lines of World War II and into the postwar decades — underscoring Mauldin’s ability to capture the realities of war with unapologetic honesty, humor and humanity.
In addition to special exhibits, the Museum offers several new ways to explore the American experience in the war that changed the world, right in your backyard. The WWII Motor Pool is a new workshop facility dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Museum’s priceless collection of WWII macro-artifacts — aircraft, boats, tanks, vehicles and other large-scale machinery. Housed in John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion, the WWII Motor Pool includes an observation area that allows visitors to watch Museum staff and volunteers as they work to bring these large vehicles and machines back to their wartime appearance. In addition to the WWII Motor Pool, John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion offers up-close looks at WWII macro-artifacts, including the Museum’s patrol torpedo boat, PT-305. Visitors can now go below deck on a private tour of PT-305, where an expert Museum guide gives an exclusive look at the vessel’s deck and interior spaces while sharing stories of her wartime crew members and tours of duty.
Guided tours of Museum exhibits are also available. The Museum Highlights tour allows visitors to experience the best of what the Museum has to offer in only two hours, offering an overview of the Museum’s most impactful and popular galleries. The Home Front tour tells the story of why the war was fought with an in-depth exploration of the Arsenal of Democracy exhibit, while the Europe & Pacific tour follows American citizen soldiers through each theater of World War II in the immersive Campaigns of Courage pavilion. Each tour lasts approximately two hours.
The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, the institution celebrates the American spirit, teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front. For more information on Tripadvisor’s #1 New Orleans attraction, call 877-813-3329 or 504-528-1944 or visit nationalww2museum.org.