Visiting the Museum

Visiting the museum is a unique experience.  In addition to being the most comprehensive collection of original World War II artifacts anywhere in the world,  the exhibition- nearly 7,000 pieces-  integrates the human, political and military stories.  It is an intense experience made more so by the fact most artifacts are not behind or under glass. Most can be touched.

The exhibits flows chronologically and geographically (see the map under VIRTUAL TOUR), and for this reason we cannot have unscheduled groups starting at the same time. While the overall museum-10,000 sq. ft. of exhibitions- can have several hundred visitors at one time, we have to control the visitors beginning the tour to a number that allows everyone to  fully experience the collection. This factor, along with security procedures necessary because of the openness of the exhibits, means that we must SCHEDULE VISITS and cannot accommodate drop -in visitors. You may use our Visitation Request Form to schedule a visit.

LOCATION of the museum is Route 9, Natick, Ma., 15-20 minutes from downtown Boston, 5 minutes from the Mass. Turnpike directly west of Boston. The exact location will be sent with confirmation of your visit date and time.

SCHEDULED VISITS are on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and can be arranged on other days. The time visitors spend is individual but our average visit is 3 ½ hours. For this reason, we do not  schedule visits after one o’clock in the afternoon. It is required that you bring the printed and signed Release and Waiver when you arrive.  For more information about scheduling a visit, please fill out our Visitation Request Form.

WORLD WAR II VETERANS,  both home front and military,  are given priority in booking visits; the museum is very handicap accessible and if wheelchair assistance is needed , tell us in advance and we can direct you to easy access.

ACOUSTIGUIDES are available to give background and commentary on more than 50 marked stops in the museum. If a visitor listens to all the audio,  it is three and a half hours.

A MINIMUM DONATION of $25 is necessary to support the overhead necessary to have the museum open for visitors. Donations are tax deductible. Checks can be made payable to The Museum of World War II, a non-profit foundation.

Persons younger than 18 years old are, as a rule, not allowed in the museum. Exceptions can be made, and the person needs to write us a letter, or email, and tell us why they want to visit. The museum is not entertainment, it is serious. One parent must accompany any minor.

SCHOOL GROUPS. We welcome groups specifically taking a course in World War II history. We need a full explanation of the course, and we have specific requirements for parental and teacher chaperones who are personally responsible for the behavior of the students. Because artifacts are so accessible, the museum is not the place for school outings and excursions that don’t have an educational focus. School visits need to be confirmed by telephone with us; please include phone contact.

RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS. The Crown Plaza Hotel is directly across the street and other accommodations are within easy walking distance. Restaurants , ranging from Japanese to Legal Seafood are within a five minute walk. The Natick Collection Shopping Mall is also within a five minute walk.