National Museum of the Marine Corps

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a museum near Marine Corps Base Quantico in Triangle, Virginia, dedicated to the history and heritage of the United States Marine Corps; it opened in 2006. The campus includes exhibition galleries, a memorial plaza, and outdoor displays of vehicles and equipment.

Permanent galleries trace the Corps’ history from its founding in 1775 to contemporary conflicts, using artifacts, multimedia, and personal stories. The museum’s entry and plaza were designed with an architectural gesture inspired by the Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph and are focal points for ceremonies and commemorations.

The museum sits adjacent to Quantico and is approximately 35 miles south of Washington, D.C., making it accessible by road from the Washington metropolitan area.

• Opening and location: Opened in 2006 and located adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, the museum combines indoor galleries with a prominent memorial plaza inspired by the Iwo Jima flag-raising image.
• Admission note: Free admission to the museum's galleries; guided programs and timed special exhibitions are offered periodically.

What to See #

• Exhibition galleries: Permanent and temporary galleries covering the history of the U.S. Marine Corps from its founding to the present, featuring uniforms, weapons, personal items, and multimedia displays.
• Memorial Plaza: A memorial plaza and entry structure whose exterior form was inspired by the World War II photograph of the Iwo Jima flag raising; the plaza is used for ceremonies and reflection.
• Outdoor vehicle park: An outdoor display area that exhibits vehicles and equipment associated with Marine Corps operations, visible from the museum grounds.