Where did they find all of these items? Guns, knives, uniforms, tanks. Tells the reasons for the war and the chronology of events and battles and the world during the war.Īn amazing collection of military weapons and impedimenta from all of the countries involved in the war. I knew a little about WWI but this museum tells the rest of the story. It’s really unacceptable and shows a lack of integrity to advertise something, even if it was a mistake, and refuse to honor it. For $18 per person (!) I should be able to fire off a test shot from one of the many cannons on display, but at the very least, honor what you advertise and fix it after the fact. We informed Guest Services and they also said the signage didn’t matter. He said it was too close to being over for them to make the signage accurate for patrons. When I asked him where we purchased tickets, he said, “At the ticket counter,” which is, of course, where the sign indicates you’ll get access to Memory Hall. He said some nonsense about there being a special exhibit and that there was a sign by the elevator. I told him I would take a photo of the sign and show him so I could gain entry, so I went back down the elevator, snapped a photo, and showed him (see attached). I pointed this out when we were told we didn’t have the proper tickets, and the kid working at the entrance to Memory Hall actually said, “I don’t believe you.”

We did not want to pay for the Jim Crow exhibit, but I though we would be fine for the others because it clearly stated that we had access to Memory Hall. The sign at the ticket counter states: General Admission gives access to the Main Exhibit, Memory Hall, and a few other select areas. The museum is nice and thorough, but for a national museum, it’s expensive and the pricing is deceptive. If I ever visit KC again, I would visit this museum and see the film as there is a lot to see here for history buffs and those wishing to learn more about the war. My visit lasted just over 4 hours but this included a quick lunch and a trip up to the top of the tower. The museum is very conveniently located to downtown and is literally across the street from the Amtrak train station for those who arrive by train as I did. There is a gift shop and a small cafeteria which I used to eat a quick lunch during my visit. Also, the museum takes you through the war chronologically from the beginning to the end. There were plenty of personal stories related to the war and it's aftermath. I walked through the museum and saw plenty of weapons, aircraft, a French tank and countless other items related to the war. The tower serves as a memorial to WWI that was constructed after the war. But, for another $5, you can take the elevator up to the tower and walk the final distance of 45 steps on your way to the top, which I did as it provided spectacular views of the city and it's surroundings. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to see the film. Visited the week before Thanksgiving and the admission was $18, but for another $10, you could see the 45 minute film on WWI prisoners. We did not do War Remains which is a virtual experience because of the $28 fee. I would highly recommend this museum because WWI is confusing and this is the best explanation I’ve ever seen. One of the volunteers took quite a bit of time to ask our grand children if they understood and what they enjoyed most. One thing I noticed was that even though none of the volunteers could’ve been around during World I they were incredibly knowledgeable and eager to help. Be aware there is a steep 45 step stairway to the top Also, you probably don’t want to be waiting in line on a hot day.

If you’re planning to do the tower do it early as you can if it’s a warm day because it’s not accessible totally by elevator and it gets warm at the top. This museum helps one to understand a very confusing war unlike World War II. Many uniforms, artillery pieces, an airplane, a tank and other memorabilia. Similar to the World War II museum in NOLA, there never seems to be enough time to explore all the exhibits.

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