The National Museum of the Marine Corps opened to the public on November 13, 2006. It pays tribute to the US Marines who have served our country since 1776 and will be an inspiration to those who will serve serve in the future. It is built on a 135-acre site on US 1 just south of the entrance to the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia. The Museum's design reflects the image of the flag-raisers on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima. It was designed to invite visitors to its stunning 118,000-square-foot building. State-of-the-art technology will give visitors a genuine sense of "being in the action" with the Marines. The structure is clearly visible from I-95.
There is little I can say to accurately describe the beauty and majesty of this museum - the only way to appreciate it is to plan a visit. It makes no difference whether you are or ever were a US Marine or member of any other branch of the US military. It is a tribute to the honor, commitment and integrity of the men and women who have fought so bravely to defend our freedoms.
Many of the exhibits are interactive. The entrance to the Vietnam War exhibit is an exit from a helicopter to a steamy jungle village. The temperature is actually cold at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea. Living Marines were the models for the figures you will see at the museum
A visit to the National Capital Area will no longer be complete without at least half a day devoted to this museum. Of course, Marines will need to allow much more time!!! To visit the museum's website just click on the Marine emblem below.
Finally, when you exit the museum go north on US 1 just past the entrance to Quantico Marine Corps Base and stop in at The Globe and Laurel Restaurant on your left. It was the nearest thing to a US Marine museum before the new museun opened. The walls are totally covered with US Marine Corps memorabilia and the food is excellent.
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