National Museum of the Pacific War
National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg
National Museum of the Pacific War
National Museum of the Pacific War
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Open Wednesday - Monday. Formerly the Nimitz Museum, the complex is now the only museum in the Continental United States centered on World War II's Pacific campaign. Since 1968, the Museum has expanded to occupy a six-acre campus and gained a reputation as one of the premier military museums in the nation. Over the years the Museum was upgraded and enlarged, and the campus grew to accommodate the Memorial Courtyard, the Plaza of Presidents, and the Japanese Garden of Peace. We opened the expanded George H. W. Bush Gallery in 2009. The Gallery's state-of-the-art 33,000 square foot exhibition features 40 media installations, approximately 900 artifacts in 97 climate-controlled cases, 15 macro-artifacts, and hundreds of photographs. Two blocks east of the main campus is the Pacific Combat Zone. Recently reopened after an $8 million renovation. The PCZ is also home to our popular WWII Pacific Combat Program that takes place on set weekends throughout the year.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Attractions
63 within 6 miles

Museo Nacional de la Guerra Del Pacifico
5
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Main Street
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,816 reviews
Excellent
3,330
Very good
417
Average
58
Poor
6
Terrible
6
David C
5 contributions
This is the best museum of its type that I have ever seen. While it covers only on theater of war and one period, 1900 - 1950, it does so superbly. The exhibits and maps are clear. The artifacts that it uses to illustrate the story are appropriate and honest.
I went expecting to spend 2 hours, I spent 5 and still did not finish everything. If you have an interest in WW2 and in naval history, this is the place for you. If you don't, come anyway just to see an example of a perfectly presented collection.
I went expecting to spend 2 hours, I spent 5 and still did not finish everything. If you have an interest in WW2 and in naval history, this is the place for you. If you don't, come anyway just to see an example of a perfectly presented collection.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ckl0206
Huntsville, TX28 contributions
Visited this museum on a Monday. We got there before they opened and looked around the outside areas - Japanese gardens and the memorial wall - before it got too hot. LOVED these sections of the museum. Finally made our way to the inside and was hooked from the first video you can watch in the huge main gallery. Growing up, most of what we were taught in school about WWII is in regards to the European theater, except Pearl Harbor of course. It was really cool to learn so much about the Pacific theater - things I'd heard of like Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal - but never really understood how they tied in. Plus my maternal grandfather was a Navy seaman and served in the Pacific. RIP Papa. If you even slightly like history, you will like this museum. I love history and I LOVED it. Carve out a full day for it though!
Written August 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DianaNamsAllen
Mustang, OK25 contributions
Couples
Oh. My. Goodness! This it was like drinking from a fire hydrant!! Sooooo much information, but utterly fascinating for history buffs like us. We would highly recommend this to anyone who might be visiting Fredericksburg. Be sure to wear good walking shoes though. You’ll need them!
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DontStopExploring
Winnipeg, Canada601 contributions
I spent the day here today. There’s a lot of material and a lot of artifacts well laid out. The staff are very friendly and very helpful. Highly recommend visiting.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jay E
Waco, TX63 contributions
We've been coming to Fredericksburg for 20 years and we finally went to the Museum and the Nimitz Gallery for the first time at the suggestion of a friend. So glad we did. Did not disappoint. Give yourself an entire afternoon to see everything, but also there are convenient exit doors if you are running short of time.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chandler Manly
Hutto, TX2 contributions
Family
Wow! This has to be one of the best museums I’ve been took. To read everything it can take well over 3-hours to do so. So much great information and the guest services at the counter are very passionate and informative. What a great gem in Fredericksburg!
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
justinkouba
6 contributions
Couples
Let me start by saying I’m a history nerd. I teach history and love all things history. I’ve been accused of being a history “snob”, and relish this title proudly.
This place was one of the best historical museums outside of Washington DC that I’ve been to. Very detailed and informative. If you or your loved ones enjoy history, this is a must see!
This place was one of the best historical museums outside of Washington DC that I’ve been to. Very detailed and informative. If you or your loved ones enjoy history, this is a must see!
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BattlegroundTravel
Franklin, TN176 contributions
I visited hundreds of military museums over the years, and this one is one of the best. They have a great mix of relics, videos, signage, and games for kids (video and otherwise). I was traveling with my 15 year son and he loved it. It's a lot larger than I realized at first, and we spent about four hours there. You could go faster, depending upon your interest. I learned a lot about Admiral Nimitz, and gained more of an appreciation of our Pacific forces in WWII.
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Edward M
2 contributions
A great museum that focuses on the Pacific War, and gives detail about all the battles and situations.
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dgbg100106
Odenton, MD1,725 contributions
The National Museum of the Pacific War is in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas, which is the boyhood home of the Commander in Chief of the Pacific, Fleet Admiral Nimitz.
I was not expecting this museum to be as great as it was. I spent way more time here than I thought I would. I learned a lot that day and still remember how well laid out the museum is. This museum is a must-see for anyone. Very friendly staff and volunteers throughout the entire facility.
We paid $8 for college students and $12 for the Military. There are several buildings to visit, plan your day accordingly. Highly recommended.
I was not expecting this museum to be as great as it was. I spent way more time here than I thought I would. I learned a lot that day and still remember how well laid out the museum is. This museum is a must-see for anyone. Very friendly staff and volunteers throughout the entire facility.
We paid $8 for college students and $12 for the Military. There are several buildings to visit, plan your day accordingly. Highly recommended.
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MONICA F
1 contribution
What’s the best time to visit Fredericksburg
And when are the re-enactments this year 2021?
bethbob666
Santa Fe, TX44 contributions
Late Spring and early summer
Daniel-s-Daddy
Houston, TX167 contributions
Does the museum offer discounted admissions for AAA member?
Steven T
Granbury, TX94 contributions
I don't believe they do. I know they offer senior discounts though.
Have experienced your beautiful museum in May 2019. In your gift shop , do you perhaps sell the new quarters which portray the Pacific theater on the reverse? Would love to get them from you all, as my purchases when we were there have been excellent.
suepark268
Houston, TX157 contributions
I am sorry but I do not remember seeing them. Contacting the gist shop will be the best.
Patti R
Houston, TX2 contributions
Are there any exhibits About The Thousand Mile War? Any exhibits about the liberation of the Philippines? The Battle of Manila?
Edward W
Enterprise, AL2 contributions
Patti, if I remember correctly, the pacific theater is covered in its entirety. Down to the smallest atolls.
extra11578
Daytona Beach, FL1 contribution
What about parking?
ChristmasStore
Fredericksburg, Texas13 contributions
Parking is easy in Fredericksburg. Street parking galore.
LadyVal13
Texas12 contributions
What dates in September and October 2018 will the re-enactment take place. Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
NMPW
Fredericksburg, TX4 contributions
Our dates for the shows are September 1,2 and October 13, 14.
It is not necessary to buy in advance but we do tend to sell out.
A_Davis14
Fort Worth, TX123 contributions
Will you be open on Memorial Day? If so, what are your operating hours?
SneakinDeacon
Christiansburg, VA1,427 contributions
Their Website shows open every day from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas. Enjoy your visit it is a wonderful museum.
DallasPaza
Dallas110 contributions
What are the hours this coming Saturday and Sunday
wb5ldn
54 contributions
Sorry I missed your question.
Frequently Asked Questions about National Museum of the Pacific War
- National Museum of the Pacific War is open:
- Wed - Mon 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking National Museum of the Pacific War tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 National Museum of the Pacific War tours on Tripadvisor
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