Dedicated to those who served in World War I, the National World War I Museum and Memorial and Edward Jones Research Center under the Liberty Memorial Tower feature the world's most diverse collection of World War I weapons, uniforms and pieces of destroyed buildings, as well as interactive tables for kids.
Best and worst times to go to the National World War I Museum and Memorial
The best day to visit is Wednesday, when ticket prices are reduced. The museum is busiest on weekends. During the week, school field trips generally occur between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The museum is usually closed on Mondays, but it's open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on major Monday holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. It's closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Must see/do at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
Ride to the top of the Liberty Memorial Tower for a spectacular view of the city (the last ride starts at 4:15 p.m. most days, 5:15 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in summer). Enjoy salvaged sections of the Panthéon de la Guerre, once the world's largest painting, which features Russian Czar Nicholas II, American General John Pershing, and hundreds of others who took part in the war. Look at the left rear of a French Renault FT-17 tank for the damage caused by German artillery in action.
Admission to the National World War I Museum and Memorial
Admission to all galleries, exhibits and the Liberty Memorial Tower is $14, which is good for two consecutive days. Children under six are free; tickets for ages six to 17 are $8. Discounts are available with ID for military career retired visitors, as well as active duty military members and families, teachers, students 18 and older, seniors 65 and older and area convention and conference attendees. All galleries are accessible to visitors who use wheelchairs. Service dogs are welcome. All tickets are $7 every Wednesday. No coupon necessary, but no other discounts apply.
How to get to the National World War I Museum and Memorial
Take either I-35 or I-70 to the Broadway exits. Turn south onto Broadway to Pershing Road. Turn left onto Pershing Road to Kessler Road. Turn right onto Kessler Road to the entrance. Park free in the U-shaped drive on the south side of the museum and in the West Visitors Lot. The Metro offers bus service to the Liberty Memorial area on the following bus lines: #27-27th Street, #47-Broadway, #51-Ward Parkway, #54-Armour Paseo , Main MAX, #123-23rd Street, #142-North Oak, #173-Casino.
Food at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
The Over There Café serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the museum is open. "Eat like a Soldier" choices include Army Goulash, Trench Stew and Cabbage Soup. Entrees, sandwiches and salads are priced in the $8 to $10 range, pizza around $20 and soups, snacks and desserts around $4 or less. Beverages include beer and wine. Kids' meals are offered in the $3 to $8 range.
Insider tip for visitors to the National World War I Museum and Memorial
Reaching the top of the Liberty Memorial Tower (built in 1926) requires climbing 45 steps, so is not accessible for visitors who have trouble with stairs. An observation deck just below the tower is wheelchair accessible.
Author's bio: Mary-Lane Kamberg is a professional writer and lifelong resident of Kansas City. Along with books for adults, she writes nonfiction books for school libraries. Her grandfather served under General John J. Pershing with the American Expeditionary Force in Europe.