National World War I Museum and Memorial Park
Museum and memorial documenting World War I history
Kansas City's National World War I Museum and Memorial presents artifacts, uniforms and first-world-war exhibits beneath the Liberty Memorial tower, with a museum collection and an observation deck overlooking the city.
National World War I Museum and Memorial at a Glance#
Address: 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
Website: https://www.theworldwar.org
Hours: Museum daily 10am-5pm (Memorial grounds open earlier/longer; verify seasonal hours)
Admission: Adult $18 (general admission); discounts for seniors, students, youth (check museum website for current rates)
About National World War I Museum and Memorial#
The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, combines a museum of the First World War with the Liberty Memorial, an imposing commemorative tower and memorial complex. The site is both a museum and a national memorial.
Exhibition galleries document the global conflict through artifacts, personal histories, multimedia displays and scholarship; the Liberty Memorial tower provides an observation level with views over Kansas City and serves as the site’s focal point. The grounds include commemorative sculpture and outdoor memorial spaces.
The Liberty Memorial and associated museum were established in the early 20th century as a civic memorial to those who served in World War I; the museum received national recognition from the U.S. Congress and has developed its collections and exhibitions to serve as a research and educational institution.
Located near downtown Kansas City, Missouri, the complex sits on a prominent site above the city and is accessible by road and local transit.
- Memorial tower: The memorial tower is 217 feet tall and is the visual focal point of the site, completed and dedicated in the 1920s as a World War I memorial.
- National designation: Designated by the U.S. Congress as the nation’s official World War I museum, the institution combines the memorial with museum collections and research facilities.
What to See#
- Liberty Memorial Tower: The Liberty Memorial tower rises above the complex and includes an observation level that offers views over downtown Kansas City.
- Museum galleries: Museum exhibition galleries present thematic permanent and temporary displays on the global conflict, its causes, campaigns and consequences.
How to Get to National World War I Museum and Memorial#
The museum sits at 2 Memorial Drive, within easy driving distance of downtown Kansas City. Street parking and nearby lots serve visitors; public transit options include local buses that stop near the memorial.
Tips for Visiting National World War I Museum and Memorial#
- Plan to climb the Liberty Memorial Tower for panoramic views of Kansas City - timed tickets may be required.
- Allocate 2-3 hours to see both the museum galleries and the memorial grounds; the exhibits are detailed and immersive.
Best Time to Visit National World War I Museum and Memorial#
The museum and memorial are accessible year-round; spring to fall offers the most comfortable weather for the memorial plaza and tower views.
Weather & Climate near National World War I Museum and Memorial#
National World War I Museum and Memorial's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1017 mm/year), wettest in May.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -7° - 3° | -7° | 31 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 7° | -3° | 33 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 1° - 13° | 4° | 68 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 7° - 20° | 13° | 95 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 13° - 25° | 19° | 134 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 18° - 30° | 24° | 129 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 21° - 33° | 27° | 107 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 19° - 32° | 26° | 95 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 15° - 27° | 21° | 126 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 8° - 21° | 15° | 88 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 1° - 12° | 4° | 67 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -5° - 6° | -4° | 44 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
