The National Museum of the Marine Corps opened the doors to three new, major galleries on June 5th, 2010. The opening of the new galleries brings more than 12,000 sq.ft. of additional exhibit space to the Museum, with 250 new artifacts including an extensive collection of early Marine Corps uniforms, weaponry and artillery including the first American armored car and the first Marine Corps' aircraft. The new galleries chronicle the legendary founding of the Corps in 1775, the Civil War and the U.S. global trade expansion in the 19th century and World War I. The new galleries also include a special interactive exhibit on John Philip Sousa, where visitors can experience a concert of their choosing by the President's Own Marine Corps Band.
New Gallery Quick Facts
Number of life-size cast figures on display within the new galleries: 12
Number of artifacts in new galleries: 250
Total square footage of new galleries: 12,000
Total fabrication cost of new galleries: $12 million
Total audio-visual pieces in new galleries: 15
Total graphics in new galleries: 500
Total lights in new galleries: 1,500
Total painted murals: 4
The pictures below show the Museum´s progress toward telling the story of Marine Corps honor, courage, and commitment from its origin in 1775 to its triumphant emersion from WWI as a true war-fighting machine.
