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New National Museum of the U.S. Navy


NMUSN_Timeline-Final

Proposed timeline for the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy campus. 

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Kenneth J. Braithwaite announced on 13 October 2020 at the Washington Navy Yard that the U.S. Navy intends to build a new National Museum of the U.S. Navy (NMUSN). 

The Navy is creating a new campus-style museum to honor the service of American Sailors and enhance the public understanding of our vibrant history and heritage.


Rendering of the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy (NMUSN).

Rendering of the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy (NMUSN).

Bring History to Life

An advanced campus design will enable the new NMUSN to celebrate 250 years of U.S. Navy history by using exhibits and educational programming to tell the stories of Sailors.

The new museum will:

  • Bring to life the human experiences of serving in the U.S. Navy through interactive displays and 4D theater presentations.
  • House and display icons of naval history, showcasing artifacts that pay tangible tribute to the service and sacrifice of our Sailors.
  • Highlight the history and traditions of all U.S. Navy communities.

Atrium view rendering of the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy.

Atrium view rendering of the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy.

Provide Unfettered Access

While the current NMUSN is located inside the Washington Navy Yard, the new NMUSN will be a campus-style museum outside the Navy’s security perimeter—providing the public with unfettered access to U.S. Navy history.

  • There will be no fee for visitors to the new NMUSN campus.
  • While the specific location is not yet finalized, the ideal site for the new museum is in the vicinity of the historic Washington Navy Yard.
  • The Navy is committed to working with the District of Columbia and other stakeholders through the necessary negotiations, environmental studies. and legislative actions that must be completed before a land deal is finalized. 

Interior rendering of the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy.

Interior rendering of the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy.

Create an Enduring Memorial to Our History and Heritage

The new NMUSN campus will foster public understanding of the U.S. Navy’s rich history and proud heritage.

  • New NMUSN exhibits will demonstrate to the American public the critical role the Navy has played—and continues to play—in the defense of our nation, conveying the importance of what maintaining a strong Navy means for the protection of freedom and commerce.
  • The new NMUSN campus will serve as an educational, inspirational, cultural, and ceremonial center for those who have served, and who continue to serve, in the U.S. Navy.
  • The museum will host notable career events for active, reserve, and retired personnel.

Interior rendering of the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy.

Interior rendering of the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy.

The new National Museum of the U.S. Navy will provide a tangible tribute to the service and sacrifice of our Sailors. The museum will be an advanced, campus design that will bring to life the human experiences of serving in the U.S. Navy, deliver leading-edge engagement to amplify Navy priorities and operations, showcase the history and heritage of all Navy communities, and create a memorial to our heritage and the service and sacrifice of American Sailors.


Aerial campus view rendering of the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy.

Aerial campus view rendering of the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy. 

Published: Thu Oct 13 07:27:30 EDT 2022