1775 Liberty Dr, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060, USA
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Phone +1 800-506-2672
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The National Museum of the United States Army
The U.S. Army Museum, officially known as The National Museum of the United States Army, is set to be constructed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This museum is designed to honor the service and sacrifice of all American Soldiers who have served since the Army’s founding in 1775. As a state-of-the-art facility, it aims to preserve the history of America’s oldest military service while educating visitors about the Army’s pivotal role in the nation’s development. The museum will be located just 16 miles south of Washington, DC. Groundbreaking occurred in September 2016, and the anticipated opening is in 2018.
The main building will encompass approximately 175,000 square feet, strategically situated on 41 acres of land. This location includes a reconfigured portion of the Fort Belvoir Golf Course to maintain 36 holes of golf. Additionally, a memorial garden and park will be integrated to facilitate reenactments, educational programs, and various special events. The architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill has been selected for the museum’s design, while Christopher Chadbourne & Associates will oversee planning and design of the galleries and exhibits. Consequently, the Army Historical Foundation is actively raising funds for the museum’s construction, with a target of $200 million from private donations.
Museum Highlights
- Soldiers’ Stories Gallery – This gallery will showcase personal accounts from soldiers across generations, providing insights into their unique personalities, emotions, and values during their service.
- Fighting for the Nation Gallery – The exhibit will illustrate tales of triumph and sacrifice, spanning from the initial shots of the Revolutionary War to the Civil War and beyond, including today’s ongoing Global War on Terrorism.
- Army and Society Gallery – This gallery will explore the dynamic interactions between the Army and U.S. citizens, encompassing humanitarian efforts and the increasing diversity of the military, as well as the ways Americans express support for their soldiers.
- The Army Theatre – This state-of-the-art theatre will accommodate 125 attendees and will host a variety of special events, presentations, lectures, and ceremonies.
Location
North Post of Fort Belvoir, VA, within a short drive of 30 minutes south of Washington, DC.
- Directions: To reach Fort Belvoir from Washington DC, take southbound I-95, exiting at Fairfax Parkway/Backlick Road (7100) exit 166 A. Follow the Fairfax County Parkway to its conclusion at U.S. Rt. 1 (Richmond Highway). Turn left, and the entrance for Tulley Gate into Fort Belvoir will be on the right at the first traffic light.
About Fort Belvoir
Fort Belvoir is situated in Fairfax County, Virginia, near the historical landmark of Mount Vernon. This prominent defense installation houses Army major command headquarters, various units and agencies from nine different major Army commands, 16 Department of the Army agencies, and multiple elements from the U.S. Army Reserve, the National Guard, as well as several DoD agencies. Additionally, facilities for a U.S. Navy construction battalion, a Marine Corps detachment, a U.S. Air Force unit, and a Treasury Department agency are located here. For additional information, visit www.belvoir.army.mil.
The Army Historical Foundation
The Army Historical Foundation is dedicated to promoting and supporting initiatives that preserve the history of the American Soldier. Its mission is to enhance public understanding and appreciation for the invaluable contributions of all U.S. Army components and their members. The Foundation serves as the official fundraising entity for the National Museum of the United States Army.
