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 ;).

Kansas City, Missouri Trip

Kansas City, MO - August 27-31, 2007

"The City of Fountains"

Our hotel was just close to almost all of the attractions and parks. Best thing was it is adjacent to a skyway going to Union Station...pretty much close! :).

Inside Union Station:

Magnificent architecture!

Our KC Rail Experience:
If you want to experience the KC Rail, it is located inside Union Station at the Science City Museum. Inside reflects all the ancient history of the American railroad. You go inside, and there's much more to learn :).

Nelson Atkins Museum of Art:
If you love arts, sculptures and paintings, then, this is a good place to visit. There are some areas where photography is not allowed but you might just try doing it with no cam flash :). You can also do audio tour if you prefer. It is a good guide getting to know more on what a painting is all about.

Me doing the audio tour inside.

The Liberty Memorial Museum:

St. Louis, Missouri Trip

April 24-29, 2006

My second big state trip in spring, it was still very sharply chilly, weatherwise. But after we got settled checking in and getting our hotel room, I bugged hubby to take a walk outside the hotel. I didn't mind the weather being cold because my eyes were so much attracted to the pretty spring flowers in the gardens close to the hotel.

St. Louis is sometimes called the Gateway city. I don't know why, but some day I would be able to know the real reason why. Our hotel is located few miles away from the downtown area, so it's a quiet place away from the hustling busy streets.

Our first night was the SSA group treat to a bull ride. That's usually what the place is seemed to known for, but it was a fake bull :)) I didn't try riding on it..or else for sure I would be breaking all my bones! I preferred to watch the fun. However, my husband did try it...and some other group co workers of my husband had a blast too :)

Some of my husband's co workers had a blast with the bull ride. Nobody beat the bull though, I guess lol!

April 27, 2006 - Butterfly House

We went driving down to Chesterfield, MO to see the butterfly house. In here is a vastand awesome collection of colorful butterflies. We got tons of photos for the butterflies too. I can't possibly be posting all of them here, but I have couple photos which were the best that I got :)

April 28, 2006 - We had 3 itineraries for this day: St. Louis Zoo, Missouri City Museum and Missouri Botanical Garden.

Missouri City Museum

The City Museum is an eclectic mixture of children's playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects. There are at least 14 attractions inside, but we were only able to visit 4 attractions due to time constraints.

Missouri Botanical Garden

It's just so much wonderful seeing a lot of flowers full of various colors around. I had fun and enjoyed communing with nature that day too :)