The National WW1 Museum at Liberty Memorial

With this museum's fancy state-of-the-art and interactive technology design, you shouldn't miss visiting it when you're in Kansas City, Missouri.

This is mostly ideal for those who are history lovers as well as a good school of learning for students alike.

As you begin with your tour, you will be starting your walk at the Glass Bridge and seeing the Portrait Wall first. This will be your first stop.

1. Portrait Wall - it is here where you can entirely see from an interactive portrait gallery of all the people who were participants in the WW1.
2. The Paul Sunderland Bridge - shows colorful field of poppies, which represent 1,000 combatant deaths during WW1.
3. The William Thornton Kemper Theater - you shouldn't miss this 12-minute film that would give you insight about the world events that caused the war.

Years dated 1914-1917:

1. Grand Illusions - you can learn interesting information about how the world was like before the war from this prologue gallery.
2. The Chronology of the War - a monthly diary of events before the US joined the war.
3. Galleries - you can see these various objects used from the war.
4. Trench - this is an interactive area where you can see and listen to the soldiers who lived and fought during WW1.
5. Air War & War At Sea Galleries - advance your knowledge and learn how the air combat forces discovered rapid technological advances during the WW1 and how the war at sea played out.
6. Interactive Tables - you can listen to music, poetry and historic voices through audio alcoves and experience a learning about WW1 in a modern way.
7. Horizon Theater - this is where a 15-minute program is shown showing America on the threshold of war and what led to the decision to enter the war.

There are 6 more galleries and areas to explore dating from 1917-1919. You can either choose to visit them or not...your choice!

If you prefer exploring the highlights of the museum, and rather skip the step-by-step tour, you can do so as well. 

Here are some worth considering:

• The Memory & Exhibit Halls which are situated at the Liberty Memorial Deck. These are all exhibits that contain more of the museum's world-class collections.
• The Tower - this is also located on the Liberty Memorial Deck. You can access it by using the outdoor steps going up or take the elevator to level G. This tower was built in 1926 at 217 ft.

At the tower...

• The 2 Sphinxes - you can see them as two gigantic stones adorning the Liberty Memorial Deck. The one facing the east with wings covering its face (which means covering it from the horrors of European battlefields) is called "Memory". The other one facing the west is called "Future" with its wings shrouding its face symbolizing the future which is yet unseen.
• The Dedication Wall - a stone wall that holds bronze busts of the 5 Allied leaders who were present during the site dedication held on Nov. 1, 1921. It's located close to Pershing Rd. at the northern edge of the complex.
• The Great Frieze - designed by Edmond Amateis, and is one of the largest carvings in the world at 148' in length and by 18' tall. You can see this view from the north lawn. This sculpture depicts progress from war to peace.
• Research Center - this is where you can see more of the WW1 historical collections. You can access the library holdings at the Public Research room with free admission. Use the elevator at the west to level B.
• Museum Store - the place to shop, - books, clothings, souvenirs and other unique items.
• J.C. Nichols Auditorium - don't miss seeing this state-of-the-art auditorium that can accommodate 230 people. They use this place for lectures, films and other special events.

Enjoy your visit ;).