Plan Your Visit
Explore the Newly Renovated George H. W. Bush Gallery
The National Museum of the Pacific War is the nation’s most comprehensive account of World War II in the Pacific. We are always working hard to update and improve our campus, and the renovation of the George H. W. Bush Gallery reflects that commitment. This major project has expanded our storytelling, introduced new immersive environments and interactives, and added hundreds of newly displayed artifacts. Below is an overview of what’s new and what you can explore during your visit across our Museum campus.
Virtual Characters: Voices From the War
Nine new virtual characters appear throughout the renovated Gallery, each inspired by real individuals who experienced the Pacific War. Their stories bring the past to life in a personal and authentic way, allowing visitors to hear first-person accounts of service, sacrifice, and survival. These characters help ground the exhibits in lived experience and deepen visitors’ connection to the people behind the history.
Immersive Environments, Interactives, and Tactile Experiences
The reimagined Gallery features a variety of interactive and tactile elements that make learning more engaging for visitors of all ages.
Guests can explore:
• Immersive environments that recreate moments and settings from across the Pacific
• Hands-on tactile elements that highlight materials, uniforms, and equipment
• Digital and strategy-based interactives, ranging from decision-making challenges to lighter, family-friendly activities
• Expanded artifact displays, featuring more than 300 items newly installed within updated cases and lighting
Together, these additions help visitors engage with the history on multiple levels and experience the Pacific War in new and dynamic ways.
The Relevance Gallery
The Relevance Gallery is a major new space within the Bush Gallery designed to connect the history of the Pacific War with the world we live in today. Through modern displays, thematic questions, and opportunities for reflection, visitors can explore how leadership, ethics, conflict, and civic responsibility continue to shape our lives. It encourages guests to consider not just what happened, but why it still matters.
Other Places to Explore on Campus
The Rescue: An Immersive Experience
Step into a true 1944 mission on the Philippine island of Negros. Guided by 7-year-old Berna Real, you will move through jungle settings, board the USS Crevalle, and experience the danger faced during its encounter with a Japanese convoy. This multi-sensory experience brings one of the Pacific War’s most dramatic rescues to life. Timed-entry reservations are recommended.
Nimitz Gallery
Housed in the historic Nimitz Hotel, this gallery explores Admiral Nimitz’s early life, leadership, and legacy through artifacts and interpretive displays.
Pacific Combat Zone (PCZ)
See what it was really like to do battle in the Pacific islands. The PCZ features replicated terrain, trench systems, fortified cave positions, and exhibit spaces that highlight the conditions U.S. forces faced during the Island Hopping campaign. The area also includes presentations on the weapons, vehicles, and equipment used in these operations. Living History reenactments take place on a scheduled basis throughout the year.
Memorial Courtyard
When the town leaders first proposed converting his grandfather’s hotel into a museum, Admiral Nimitz agreed only if it would honor all who served in the Pacific during WWII. Today, the 19th-century limestone walls of this solemn garden bear plaques recognizing heroic contributions to the war effort. The Veterans’ Walk of Honor winds through the courtyard, paved with bricks inscribed with additional tributes.
Looking Ahead: The Main Street Project
The Museum is continuing to expand with the multi-phase Main Street Project, an initiative focused on improving visitor flow, accessibility, and outdoor interpretation. This project will strengthen the connection between the Museum’s galleries and the historic Nimitz Hotel while creating new spaces for programs and community engagement.
The Museum remains fully open throughout construction, and visitors are encouraged to return often as new enhancements are completed.
Support the Museum: Membership and Giving
As the nation’s most comprehensive account of World War II in the Pacific, the Museum relies on the generosity of members, donors, and supporters to preserve this history for future generations. Every update, renovation, and new experience on our campus is made possible through your support.
-
Become a Member – Enjoy free admission, discounts, and invitations to special programs while helping sustain our mission.
-
Make a Donation – Your gift directly supports exhibit development, artifact preservation, educational programs, and ongoing improvements across our campus.
Your support ensures that we can continue to grow, innovate, and share the stories of the Pacific War with visitors from around the world.
