Extremely well executed museum, with immersive exhibits and lots of details about past campaigns I didn't know existed. The most moving display for me was the Iwo Jima flags (there were TWO that were hoisted) in the WWII area. Docents were happy to share their knowledge. I recommend the new theater and "This is the Marines" We spent over 4 hours there, and stopped in the non-denominational chapel on the way out. Did not have time to explore the grounds. If it would of been summertime we could of continued walking the area. Quite a few Marines, active and retired were taking their kids through the museum as well. For those taking the Auto Train, the museum is the next exit down from the terminal, and could be something to occupy waiting time, a cab would be inexpensive.

Triangle Virginia US Marine Corp Museum If you have not had the opportunity to visit the National Museum of the Marine Corp you are missing a good museum. If you know a Marine take them with you when you visit. Their insight into the battle, skirmishes, and retelling of stories and events from a first person point of view adds depth to your museum visit and helps to fill in the historical gaps with otherwise unknown facts and tidbits. The approach to the National Museum of the Marine Corp is impressive. Engraved red brick borders wind their way through concrete pavers with names of donors and service men and women. The grassy area surrounding the museum also had winding pathways that lead from the museum to a lake and chapel that looked down on the museum from a gentle sloping hill. As you enter the museum the entrance opens up to a high ceiling sloping to the right under a glass paneled ceiling. Hanging from the ceiling are actual fighter planes complete with marines wearing various fatigues colors representing combat in different wars. On the museum entrance way floor were various military vehicles occupied by life like marines re-enacting moments of war, or training. As you make your way through the museum you transition between realistic life size dioramas, miniature dioramas and hands-on exhibits that help to bring to life the marine experience. Guests of all ages will find it both informative and entertaining. There is also a canteen with quick cafeteria style food and a restaurant ‘The Tun’ with sit down service. The gift shop had an impressive selection of marine corp memorabilia. Thermos shaped like mortar shells, challenge coins, scarves, postcards etc. Shoppers will definitely find gifts for their favorite marine. No matter what you choose you will not regret it.

I visited here with my family on June 5 2023. This museum has free admission and outlines The United States Marine Corps for inception to present. I couldn't believe how large this museum is and how detailed the exhibits are. There are restaurants on the second floor and one, Tun Tavern, named after the original tavern where The United States Marine Corps held its first recruitment. The gift shop has a wide variety of souvenirs and memorabilia. The museum is a walk at your own pace and will take three to five hours to tour, there is a lot to see. I will definitely be back.

Visited on a fairly quiet day around noon. Totally enjoyed our 5 hour visit, seemed to comprehensively cover the entire swath of USMC history and they are working to complete an exhibit devoted to Afghanistan. Very minor negative point. Except for aircraft displayed in main lobby, most were hung above the exhibits in the other areas and were a bit hard to view in detail. Recommend very highly as a great military museum

I was not in the Marine Corps and this was highly recommended to me. We were able to spend about 2 hrs here and could have spent an hr more but they were closing. This museum is free. Fantastic gift shop as well. I have to say that this place was very, very in depth and covered the history from the beginning to current, with Afghanistan/Iraq sections currently under construction. Probably my favorite museum I've visited in a long, long time. Would highly recommend going here regardless if you've served in the Marines or not (or any other branch for that matter). Can be an emotional experience visiting this museum (it was for me).

This museum is the history of the Marine Corps told by the Marine Corps -- and all that that means. Its exhibits are comprehensive, impressive, inspiring, but also honest and frank about what war is and what it means for those who serve. It does not shy away from the ugliness as some military museums might, but it also does not apologize for what the Marine Corp is. I highly recommend any with an interest in history, politics, and American life to visit. Some of the artifacts on display are special to see with one's own eyes. For me the highlight was seeing one of the American flags from the famous pictures of the flag raisings on Iwo Jima during World War 2. Our two boys really enjoyed the kids section and seeing all the large-scale military hardware.