Temporary Exhibits

Hollywood Leathernecks: Movie Posters Inspired by Marines

Our new exhibit, "Hollywood Leathernecks: Movie Posters Inspired by Marines," provides a glimpse into how Marines have been portrayed in American movies from the 1920s to today. From 1918's "The Unbeliever" to "Guadalcanal Diary" to "Heartbreak Ridge" and "A Few Good Men," visitors will trace Hollywood's version of Marine Corps history through this colorful and fun show featuring more than 30 posters.

Appropriately, this show is adjacent to our giant screen Medal of Honor Theater, which plays "We the Marines," a destination film depicting Marines in their most authentic settings.

 Beirut and Grenada - 35th Anniversary

October 2018 marks the 35th anniversaries of the terrorist bombings of the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, and the beginning of Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada. Both events saw Marines serving abroad in combat zones and under confusing and hostile conditions. They performed admirably through chaos and tragedy and confirmed that the Marine Corps was America's force in readiness.

Marines of the II Marine Amphibious Force rotated units from the United States to Lebanon, beginning in June 1982, maintaining a presence through February 1984. During these deployments, they faced heightened hostilities from terrorist groups, which culminated in the horrific bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut on 23 October 1983.  

Marines of the 22d Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU) en route to Lebanon were diverted to participate in Operation Urgent Fury.  On 25 October, they landed on the Caribbean island nation of Grenada on short notice.  Eight days later and with no respite, these same Marines embarked for Lebanon to relieve the beleaguered 24th MAU. 

The temporary exhibit "35th Anniversary -- Beirut and Grenada" can be viewed in the Legacy Walk Gallery.

 Battles Won -- Marine Corps Recruiting Command Sculptures by Kris Kuksi

With each piece, these sculptures of Marines represent various battles throughout the history of the Corps.  The emotions in the sculpted faces reflect the struggles they have lived through on the battlefield or during humanitarian relief missions and the personal challenges they endured to become Marines.

The three works present different chapters in the "Longer Marine Corps Story."   Each features a core sculpture that is surrounded by many small figures, which together form iconic representations of the Marines' core values, traditions, and victories throughout history.  The first -- "At Their Core" -- evokes challenges faced on the battlefield.  The second chapter -- " A Nation's Call" -- represents the nation and the battles this country and the Marine Corps have faced together and won.  The third--"Waged in Will" -- is reminiscent of Marine Corps training and transformation: winning the battle within and emerging as quality citizens who better the nation.

Together, these sculptures display long-lasting Marine Corps traditions and the elite attitude, ethos, and purpose of the service as Marines.

Visitors to the Museum can view the sculptures on our second deck, next to the Combat Art Gallery.

The sculptures will be on displays until Spring 2018.

Welcome Home

"Welcome Home," a collection of photographs and memorabilia, captures the reunions of family members who have been separated by repeated deployments. The exhibit was born out of firsthand accounts of talented young women -- mothers and wives -- who shared their personal insights of what homecoming means to them, their children, and the heroes they have waited so long to see.

 These images show the Marine Corps itself as an extended family, whose members have celebrated together, mourned together, and helped each other during America's longest war and especially tough economic times.

 On display on the 2nd deck of the Museum.