Temporary Exhibits

The Flags of Iwo Jima

On February 23, 1945, Marines raised a small flag on Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima to the cheers of the troops below and ships in the harbor. Later that day, different troops raised a larger flag while others respectfully lowered the original flag.

The iconic photo of the second flag-raising captured by Joe Rosenthal became the enduring symbol of American resolve.

In commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, from February 19 through March 30, 2020 both flags will be displayed together in the Museum's WWII Gallery.

Recent Acquisitions Exhibit

The artifacts in this case were recently added to the museum's collection and illustrate the wide variety of items which the Museum collects and cares for in perpetuity.

Preserving the Past

The Museum's collection includes more than 60,000 artifacts -- ranging from early uniform buttons to 70-ton main battle tanks. At any one time, approximately 10% of the collection is on display within the museum with the remainder either on loan to other museums or Marine Corps units, undergoing conservation, or professionally stored for future display or study by researchers. Artifacts are acquired by the museum by a variety of means; but all acquisitions are guided by the museum's Collections Rationale and selected by the curators, based on their provenance, condition, and overall value to the collection.

If you have artifacts that you wish to donate to the Museum, please see our Artifact Donation page.

A Tribute in Silver

Silver objects have long been representative of respect, commemoration, and triumph. Within the Marine Corps, the tradition of giving and receiving commemorative silver objects as tributes of admiration and achievement was particularly popular during the early 20th century. It is from this era that the Museum amassed a large portion of its collection of silver tribute pieces.

These silver objects represent various forms of tribute, including those that commemorate personal and professional achievement, as well as sporting victories. Many familiar names appear on these objects, to include Smedley Butler, Jacob Zeilin, John Philip Sousa, and Charles Heywood. This collection of silver objects displays a strong tradition of achievement and excellence in the Marine Corps.

Veteran Vision Project

Devin Mitchell launched the Veteran Vision Project in 2014. The mission of his photo essay of American military service members is to provide a lens and a voice for them.

Arizona State University was impressed with this mission and began commissioning Devin in 2015, while he was an ASU student, to photograph ASU veteran students, staff, alumni, faculty and community veterans for the annual ASU Salute to Service.

The 38 photographs on display on our second deck are drawn from the ASU Veteran Vision Project collection.

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.

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 2020.