CLOSURE UPDATE: The National Museum of the Marine Corps is temporarily closed. Recent increases in COVID-19 cases, both regionally and nationally, drove the closure decision.
The health and safety of visitors, staff and volunteers is the Museum’s first priority at this time. The Museum grounds, to include Semper Fidelis Memorial Park and the playground, will remain open.
Please follow the NMMC social media (@usmcmuseum) and check back for updates.
Welcome to the National Museum of the Marine Corps!
You are invited to follow in the footsteps of Marines: from the yellow footprints that young recruits must fill at boot camp to the boot prints left in the sands of Pacific island beaches during World War II, in the snow of the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, and in the red dirt of Hill 881 South in Vietnam.
The Museum, located astride I-95 near Marine Corps Base Quantico, is easily reached from the Washington, D.C. metro area.
Visitor Experience:
If you have a fever or COVID-19 symptoms, please visit another day.
All individuals over age 6 must wear a face covering while in the Museum. We highly recommend children between the ages of 2-6 wear a face covering.
Keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others.
Don't touch the artifacts or exhibits.
Wash or sanitize your hands often.
Cleaning procedures are enhanced in the museum with extra attention given to high-touch areas.
You may bring one clear, sealed water bottle no larger than 20 oz. Water fountains are unavailable. No food is allowed in the Museum.
Follow instructions from staff and docents. They are focused on keeping everyone safe.
General Information:
OPEN 9:00 am-5:00 pm every day except Christmas day.
Tun Tavern is open. Devil Dog Diner is closed for now.
Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, located next to the Museum, is open.
The Children's Playground is open.
Water fountains are unavailable.
Service animals are welcome inside the Museum. Pets are allowed on the grounds of the Museum (look for designated relief areas)
Prohibited items include: weapons, pepper spray and mace, food or drinks and sharp objects. See our Security page fore more information.
Galleries and Spaces:
There is ample space in the galleries to visit safely.
If a gallery or exhibit area is crowded, consider moving on and returning later.
All interactives have be disabled.
Children play areas inside the Museum are closed for now. The Children's Playground, located next to the Museum, is open.
Scuttlebutt Theater is temporarily closed.
The Laser simulated rifle range in Making Marines gallery is temporarily closed.
Please allow a minimum of 3-4 hours to tour the galleries, and additional time to walk through Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. If you are planning a longer visit, Prince William and Stafford counties offer many options for overnight accommodations.
If you have any questions, please contact the Museum at 1-703-432-1775.
Join us as we honor the service, commitment, and sacrifices made by all Marines!
Families with Children
Children may not be left unattended for any period of time. Children must be closely supervised and /or accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Carrying children on shoulders is prohibited.
Parental Warning for Small Children Visiting the National Museum of the Marine Corps
The mission of the National Museum of the Marine Corps is to preserve and exhibit the material history of the U.S. Marine Corps; honor the commitment, accomplishments, and sacrifices of Marines; support recruitment, training, education, and retention of Marines; and provide the public with a readily accessible platform for the exploration of Marine Corps history.
To meet the goals of this mission, the Museum has made every effort to present the history of the United States Marine Corps in the most objective manner possible – including scenes of combat and combat casualties. This is done purposely to underscore the courage, hardship, and sacrifice made by every Marine on the battlefield. Throughout the Museum, highly realistic cast figures, photographs, and movie footage describe and depict combat actions. Younger visitors may find the graphic nature of these displays disturbing or unsettling. Additionally, several of the exhibit galleries include full immersive, interactive combat environments that may be frightening to very young children. Visitors bringing young children to the National Museum of the Marine Corps are encouraged to speak with a Museum Docent at the Information Desk if they are concerned that the Museum’s exhibits may not be age-appropriate for their children.
