NEW ORLEANS — Did you know that NOLA is home to the National WWII Museum?
The complex offers comprehensive, immersive exhibits with massive vehicles and a vast collection of mementos, a stunning 4D experience and more thrilling opportunities to educate and entertain visitors — plus, it is an impressive event space.
“As New Orleans’ consistently top-rated attraction, the museum is already on many visitors’ ‘must-see’ lists — making it an especially exciting and sought-after setting for events,” Tammy Syock, the venue’s Director of Event Sales, said. “Planners love that their attendees are not just attending a function, but experiencing one of the city’s most celebrated destinations.
“Conveniently located just steps from the convention center and numerous hotels, the Museum offers both accessibility and impact. What truly sets us apart, however, is our one-of-a-kind venue spaces. Our exhibit pavilions provide an immersive backdrop where guests can explore authentic WWII artifacts and stories, transforming any gathering into something memorable.”
Venues at the facility include:
- US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, which has the capacity for over 650 guests for a seated dinner or 1,000 for reception-style events, vast LED screens and six WWII aircraft, as well as a half-track and a tank. It also offers an interactive submarine experience.
- Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, a four-story space that features a Skytrain and LCVP Higgins boat, and access to the original D-Day Museum galleries, The Arsenal of Democracy: The Herman and George Brown Salute to the Home Front exhibit and the Joe W. and D.D. Brown Special Exhibits Gallery. This space is optimal for seated events of up to 250 guests or receptions for approximately 600.
- Campaigns of Courage Pavilion, which has two floors of permanent exhibit galleries: the Duchossois Family The Road to Berlin: European Theater Galleries and the Richard C. Adkerson & Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Road to Tokyo: Pacific Theater Galleries. This space is great for combining with another of the Museum’s event options and includes a reception area that has the capacity for 75 guests reception-style or 40 for a seated buffet meal.
- John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion, which houses a torpedo boat, an ambulance and an amphibious warfare vehicle, and has the capacity for 75 guests reception-style.
There are various other event spaces — to get the full list, click here.
“For planners who want their guests to experience WWII history firsthand, our exhibit pavilion atriums offer stunning reception spaces that can accommodate groups ranging from 20 to 1,000 guests. For those seeking a more traditional setting, BB’s Stage Door Canteen and American Sector Restaurant are excellent options, offering inviting atmospheres that are perfect for lively and engaging receptions,” Syock said.
The venue also offers an Event Catering Menu and organizers can also use the Museum’s 1940s-inspired Victory Entertainment; its options range from a full swing band to a solo harpist. According to Syock, the most popular choice is the Victory Belles, a harmonizing trio that can be booked to perform anywhere in the world.
The museum also has daytime meeting spaces to help organizers create memorable offsite experiences.
“We offer a range of flexible options for panel discussions, board meetings, general sessions, breakout rooms and more,” Syock said. “Spaces like the Madlyn and Paul Hilliard Research Library, the Purple Heart Board Room and BB’s Stage Door Canteen provide unique, inspiring settings that go far beyond traditional meeting environments. By pairing these one-of-a-kind venues with our immersive atmosphere, organizers can deliver productive and engaging experiences that stand out from the typical conference setting.
“For organizers who prefer to keep everything conveniently centered around their room block, the stunning Higgins Hotel & Conference Center is ideally located right on our campus. As a Hilton Curio Collection property, it features a striking Art Deco design paired with exceptional service.”
Updates
The Museum is building a new Floyd Education and Collections Pavilion, which would provide a dedicated exhibition design and production center, and greater access to its collection of more than 300,000 artifacts and archival materials.
Its second floor will house the Sanderson Leadership Center and offer a slate of leadership programs for corporate and nonprofit executives, civic and military leaders, and students and educators.
The plans include a custom-built environment that will fully immerse participants in role-playing leadership programs based on WWII events.
“We transform events into immersive experiences by surrounding guests with powerful stories, authentic artifacts and visually stunning environments,” Syock said. “Planners can enhance their events with private exhibit access, exclusive tours and even historian-led lectures that bring the WWII experience to life in a meaningful way. It’s this blend of unique spaces, engaging storytelling, and customizable touches that makes every event truly unforgettable.”
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Featured Photo Credit: Courtesy of The National WWII Museum
