National Museum of the United States Army — Attraction in Lorton

(September 13, 2025) The National Museum of the United States Army is the finest military museum I have ever encountered in my life. If you plan to go admission is free. Reservations can be made online or you can do a walk in - in person. Parking is far from the entrance if you are handicapped or can't walk long distances, they have a golf cart to pick you up and wheelchairs to assist you.

Presently, they have a temporary exhibit for The American Revolution in the second floor. I recommend picking up a map & info brochure of the museum and watching the free movie in the little theater they have to get an introduction of the US Army. The theater has HD quality and surround sound with vibrating chairs to give you the most virtual reality experience when watching the movie. There are many exhibits to explore in the museum. If you want to see the whole museum in one day or can only see it in one visit, I suggest going to the museum when it opens, browsing through each exhibit & floor, and leaving till the museum closes. It also helps if you go with people who want to see the whole museum or alone. I have never been able to spend as much time as I want in most museums like this one due to my companions wanting to leave early. My last visit was with my in laws, they were captivated by the museum and what it had to offer. They want to revisit the museum again.

On my last visit, I explored the 9/11 exhibit, the Gulf War, the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the exhibit showing the impact of the US Army throughout the years - all on the first floor. I watched most of the movies in the exhibits I explored. It was nice to have sitting areas for these movie exhibits. The most memorable movie was World War II - The bombing of Hiroshima and The Vietnam War. There were many grand exhibits that caught my eye that I shot photos of on my phone. I ended my visit when I was alerted that my group wanted to leave and met up with them in the gift store. The gift store has many souvenirs and items to buy. I wish they had a penny presser to make souvenir coins like some museums do. I purchased postcards and a sticker.

The only features of the museum I had concern for is that some of the interactive exhibits could not be accessed because they needed repairs or needed a code from the ticket to access it. My ticket holder was away from me so I could not play the virtual reality game there.

They have a children's area for children in the museum. One idea I have is to provide a map & scavenger hunt for children and a more complex scavenger hunt & map for teens to adults to highlight the most important features of the museum and to make learning more easy & fun for...

Visiting the National Museum of the United States Army was an absolutely enlightening and humbling experience. From the moment I stepped into the beautifully designed space, I was captivated by the thoughtful layout and the rich tapestry of stories that unfolded in each exhibit. The museum does a remarkable job of honoring the bravery, sacrifice, and service of American soldiers throughout history. Each gallery is meticulously curated, showcasing a wide array of artifacts that range from Revolutionary War uniforms to high-tech military equipment used in modern conflicts. The interactive displays and multimedia presentations are particularly engaging, bringing to life the personal stories of soldiers who served with courage and dedication. It's clear that every detail in the museum has been chosen to convey the depth and diversity of the Army's history. What impressed me and my husband the most was the museum's commitment to educational outreach. The staff members are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about sharing their expertise. They provide context and depth to the exhibits, making history accessible and relevant to visitors of all ages. The museum also offers a range of educational programs and resources that deepen the visitor's understanding of the Army's role in shaping our nation. The museum's architecture itself is a tribute to its purpose. The building's design reflects strength and fortitude, while the surrounding grounds, with their serene landscapes and reflective spaces, offer a place for contemplation and appreciation. It's a fitting homage to the men and women who have worn the Army uniform. Overall, the National Museum of the United States Army is not just a collection of artifacts; it's a vibrant center of learning and reflection. It serves as a powerful reminder of what it means to be committed to serving one's country, and it inspires a deep respect for those who have. Whether you're a history buff, a veteran, or simply someone looking to understand more about the heritage of the United States Army, this museum is a must-visit destination. The experience is not only educational but also profoundly moving, leaving visitors with a lasting impression of the spirit and legacy...

I arrived at the museum about 40 minutes prior to closure. Scott, the usher, delayed my enjoyment of my limited time in the museum by nagging me over the fact that I didn't get an "online ticket" prior to my arrival. He stated, "everyone knows you have to get an online ticket." I challenged Scott on his assertion that "everyone knows" to get an online ticket. Mainly, because stating "absolutes" is something that adults should stray away from. And if you don't know why, I'm not going to waste my time here explaining it. BTW, two things, 1) the museum is "absolutely" free & 2) at that moment in time, I was the "absolutely" only visitor in the museum. Regardless, I swatted Scott away like an annoying "gnat'' & proceeded to take in the museum with my now 35 minutes left.

Paul, on the other hand, is the absolute "jewel" of the National Museum of the United States Army. While I made my way into the WWII exhibit, Paul graciously greeted me & in "50 cal machine gun style" proceeded to rattle off "fact after fact after fact" concerning this particular exhibit. I couldn't help but stop & listen to his interesting tidbits of knowledge & factually accurate information. Paul is a consummate professional who takes pride in his work & it shows. On this relatively small venue, the museum does provide colorful & copious visual artifacts, displays & sculptures representing the rich history of the US Army.

Prior to my departure from the museum, I did mention to Scott something that everyone absolutely loves at museums & that's the souvenir crush penny machines. The museum should invest in a couple of these crush penny machines. You could put depictions of your numerous exhibits...