MacArthur Memorial
Honor General Douglas MacArthur and veterans of WWI, WWII, & Korean War with free, engaging exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
MacArthur Memorial
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Honor General Douglas MacArthur and veterans of WWI, WWII, & Korean War with free, engaging exhibits.
"A must-see for those interested in East Asian wars and military history, offering an unforgettable experience."
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy a world-class museum experience without any cost.
🚗 Convenient Parking
Park at the MacArthur Center mall across the street for affordable hourly rates.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Visitor Center Exhibits
Visitor Center
Explore engaging exhibits, including the new 'No Turning Back: MacArthur and the Occupation of Japan.'
Main Memorial Building
Main Memorial Building
Discover memorabilia and historical artifacts detailing MacArthur's extensive military career.
MacArthur in Comic Books
Visitor Center
A unique and engaging exhibit showcasing how General MacArthur was depicted in popular culture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Impact
Parking & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy a world-class museum experience without any cost.
🚗 Convenient Parking
Park at the MacArthur Center mall across the street for affordable hourly rates.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 1.5 hours to fully explore both the visitor center and main memorial.
📚 Military History Focus
Highly recommended for those interested in East Asian wars and military history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy a world-class museum experience without any cost.
🚗 Convenient Parking
Park at the MacArthur Center mall across the street for affordable hourly rates.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 1.5 hours to fully explore both the visitor center and main memorial.
📚 Military History Focus
Highly recommended for those interested in East Asian wars and military history.
🧥 Missing Jacket Mystery
Learn about the intriguing story of MacArthur's stolen leather jacket!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the MacArthur Memorial for its extensive and informative exhibits, particularly highlighting the engaging displays and the opportunity to learn about a pivotal historical figure. The free admission and convenient parking are significant draws, making it a highly recommended destination for history enthusiasts and families alike. While the depth of information is appreciated, some may find the subject matter dense.
"The MacArthur Memorial has been a staple of Norfolk for many years. We’ve visited several times over the years, and recently decided to stop by again. The Visitor’s Center was completely new to us and an impressive addition! The building itself is beautiful, and the exhibits are both informative and engaging. We especially enjoyed the "MacArthur in Comic Books" exhibit.
The main memorial building remains as classic and beautiful as we remembered. Douglas MacArthur was an influential and complex figure, and this memorial provides a great opportunity to learn more about his impact and legacy. Definitely worth a visit!"
R R
"Really nice museum. Highly recommend for those who are interested in east Asia wars."
Aozaki Aoko
"Well worth the visit when in Norfolk. Great collection of memorabilia and historical stuff related the General MacArthur and various campaigns that he was involved with spanning decades and wars during his career. He definitely lived in interesting times and was involved with some major turning points through history. Very well maintained museum with brief video history of MacArthur’s lifetime and involvement in the military. Clean bathrooms, nice gift shop and friendly staff. Parking is available across the street at the MacArthur mall for $1.00 an hour. Expect to spend at least an hour for a quick tour or longer if you want to immerse yourself in the collection. Admission is free and there is lots to see in the downtown area. Highly recommended."
Paul Ginnane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The MacArthur Memorial is located in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. If you're driving, parking is available across the street at the MacArthur Center mall, which is very affordable. Public transportation options may also be available depending on your starting point in Norfolk.
Yes, there is convenient parking available at the MacArthur Center mall, located directly across the street from the memorial. The cost is typically around $1 per hour for the first few hours.
While specific routes can vary, downtown Norfolk is served by public transportation. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information on bus routes that stop near the memorial.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the MacArthur Memorial is completely free! This makes it an excellent and accessible destination for all visitors interested in history.
Operating hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official MacArthur Memorial website before your visit. Generally, they are open during standard museum hours on most days.
No, advance booking is not typically required as admission is free. However, for special events or group tours, it's always a good idea to check the memorial's website for any specific reservation policies.
Yes, the MacArthur Memorial is an excellent educational resource for school groups. They often have programs and exhibits designed to engage younger learners with military history.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 1.5 to 2 hours is sufficient for a thorough visit, allowing time to explore both the main memorial and the visitor center exhibits. If you're deeply interested in military history, you might want to allocate even more time.
Don't miss the new exhibit, 'No Turning Back: MacArthur and the Occupation of Japan, 1945–1951,' in the visitor center.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. They offer insightful narratives and bring to light often overlooked stories about General MacArthur's legacy.
Yes, the exhibits are informative and engaging, making it a good destination for families interested in history. The 'MacArthur in Comic Books' exhibit, in particular, can be appealing to younger visitors.
The MacArthur Memorial honors General Douglas MacArthur, a pivotal figure in 20th-century military history, and the veterans of WWI, WWII, and the Korean War. It provides a deep dive into his complex legacy and impact on global events.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary within museums. It's generally permitted to take photos for personal use in many areas, but flash photography is often prohibited to protect the artifacts. Always look for signage or ask staff if unsure.
The architecture of the memorial itself, both exterior and interior, offers great photographic opportunities. Exhibits like 'MacArthur in Comic Books' can also provide unique and visually interesting shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📚 History Buffs & Military Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring General MacArthur's Legacy
Beyond the main exhibits, the Visitor's Center offers a more modern and interactive approach to learning. Its new exhibition, 'No Turning Back: MacArthur and the Occupation of Japan, 1945–1951,' delves into the complex post-war period under his leadership, highlighting the transformation of Japan into a U.S. ally.
This dual approach—traditional historical display and contemporary exhibition—ensures a rich and multifaceted understanding of MacArthur's enduring impact. Travelers often highlight the insightful guided tours as a key element that brings the history to life, uncovering untold stories and providing deeper context.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities
When it comes to experiencing the exhibits, most visitors recommend allocating at least 1.5 to 2 hours. This timeframe allows for a thorough exploration of both the main memorial building, which houses classic displays of memorabilia, and the more contemporary exhibits in the visitor center.
For an even richer experience, consider joining one of the guided tours. These tours are praised for their depth of information and engaging storytelling, providing context and uncovering lesser-known aspects of General MacArthur's life and the eras he influenced.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit