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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / National World War I Museum & Liberty Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri, USA

National World War I Museum & Liberty Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri, USA

By Jody Halsted August 3, 2009

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WWI Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri

On November 1, 1921 five Allied leaders, Lieutenant General Baron Jacques of Belgium; General Armando Diaz of Italy; Marshal Ferdinand Foch of France; General John J. Pershing of the United States; and Admiral David Beatty of Great Britain, came together across from Union Station for the dedication of the Liberty Memorial.

Today this plaque and a bust of each man marks the spot where they stood and addressed over 200,000 people. It was the only time in history the leaders were together in one place.

As you walk up north lawn you begin to notice the Great Frieze, one of the largest frieze carvings in the world. Sculpted by Edmond Amateis is measures 148 feet long and 18 feet tall. Depicting the process from war to peace it is amazing to view.

Great Frieze at Liberty Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri


Note: approaching the National WW I Museum and Liberty Memorial this way requires a lot of climbing. I did notice wheelchair ramps but they were very steep. The entrance to the National WW I Museum can be more easily reached from the free parking on W. 26th Street.

The National War Museum sits below the base to the south of the Liberty Memorial. It can be reached by stairs from the memorial or by a walkway from the parking lot. The front doors are imposing but the lobby is bright and quite open.

The main corridor is lined with an interactive portrait gallery of those who participated in World War I. Touch screen stations tell their stories.

To enter the museum, the Memory & Exhibit Halls and to go to the top of the Liberty Memorial requires purchase of a ticket. Currently the museum is $8, the Memorial is $4 and a combination ticket is $10. Seniors, youth and military have special rates. For current price information click here. Museum hours are Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5 pm. It is closed Mondays except Memorial Day and Labor Day.

To enter the museum you cross the Paul Sunderland Bridge, a glass floor that spans a field of 9,000 poppies; one poppy for every 1000 combatant deaths in World War I.

Poppies, WWI Museum, Kansas City, Missouri

Depending on your timing you will either enter the William Thornton Kemper Theater and view a short film that explains the world events that led to the war. Otherwise you will begin viewing the exhibits and will be called back to view the film. I recommend watching it; there is much insight in it.

WWI Museum collage, Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Inside the museum are artifacts, time lines, interactive tables, galleries, incredible propaganda posters… Anything and everything having to do with World War I. It was, honestly, too much for the girls to take in but I know Doug would have liked to spend more time there. It is fascinating. By learning our past we can plot our future. To view some of the exhibits check out this slideshow.

The Horizon Theater, at the rear of the museum, show a 15 minute film that begins with the question, “Should America enter the war?”.

Also in the museum building are restrooms, water fountains, the Over There Cafe (their food is named for people and places of World War I) and the museum store.

As you climb the steps to the Liberty Memorial (there are very nice ramps on this side of the memorial, as well) stop to notice the Sphinxes on either side. Both have wings shielding their faces: Memory to block the horrors of the war and Future to symbolize what is yet unseen. You can also reach this level via elevator.

On either side of the Liberty Memorial are two identical buildings: Memory Hall and Exhibit Hall.

Memory Hall is filled with personal memories and amazing murals. It’s impossible to describe the emotion I felt as I walked through here.

Exhibit Hall houses rotating exhibits and also has amazing murals.

My favorite mural, over the entrance of Memory Hall.

Above the entrance of Memory Hall, WWI Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri

A close up of the banner:

Above the entrance to Memorial Hall, WWI Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri, USA

The Liberty Tower is 217 feet high. Visitors can access the top via elevator + a 45 stair climb. It is not handicapped accessible.

Also in the National World War I Museum:

Public Research Room Admission is free.

Class and conference rooms

J.A. Nichols Auditorium Often used for museum programs, lectures and films.

Thoughts: My girls were fascinated by the displays in the museum. Though they bored relatively quickly they did ask many questions and I know we will return here as they get older. Precious pieces of our history are here reminding us not to forget.

Crown Center is located next to the World War I Museum and offers restaurants, hotels, shopping and entertainment.

 

Things To Do
Kansas City
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4 Comments · Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged With: history, Kansas City, Missouri, Missouri

About Jody Halsted

Jody Halsted is an award winning writer and podcaster specializing in travel, Ireland, camping, and RVing.
Based in the Midwest, Jody is a rambling soul who would love nothing more than to split her time between her RV and Ireland, but until then she ‘lives the dream’ in Iowa with her husband, two daughters, and a small menagerie of furry friends.

Award Winning Writer & Podcaster • Twitter • Instagram • Facebook • Pinterest

Trackbacks

  1. This Saturday is "Museum Day" says:
    June 15, 2011 at 1:50 pm

    […] National WWI Memorial Museum, Kansas City, Missouri […]

    Reply
  2. Crown Center, Kansas City, Missouri says:
    June 15, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    […] WWI Memorial Filed Under: Midwest, USA Tagged With: eating, entertainment, food, Fun for Kids, Kansas City, Missouri, play area, shopping […]

    Reply
  3. A Return to Hyatt Regency Crown Center says:
    June 15, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    […] All the rooms are very similar. Two beds- quite comfortable- TV, dresser, mini fridge, desk, reading chair, bathroom. Everything was clean and neat and our room looked out at the World War I Memorial. […]

    Reply
  4. SeaLife Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center a Perfect Addition to Family Friendly Crown Center in Kansas City says:
    September 20, 2012 at 8:28 pm

    […] across the street in the National World War 1 Museum and Liberty Memorial.  A terrific stop for history buffs and students, you’ll see artifacts, weaponry, and plenty […]

    Reply

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