National WWII Museum to Renovate Flagship D-Day Exhibit

Redesigned immersive experience planned for 2027 as part of $300M campaign

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The National WWII Museum in New Orleans will close its long-running D-Day invasion exhibit on February 25 for a major renovation project expected to last about a year. The redesigned exhibit, set to reopen in 2027, will expand to four galleries and incorporate immersive environments, updated multimedia displays, interactive elements, and artifacts acquired over the past 25 years.

Why it matters

The D-Day exhibit is a beloved and foundational part of the museum's experience, bringing the story of June 6, 1944, to life for millions of visitors. This renovation will ensure the museum continues to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who participated in the Normandy Campaign, while also modernizing the presentation to appeal to future audiences.

The details

Originally opened more than 25 years ago when the institution was known as the National D-Day Museum, the exhibit will be redesigned by the design firm Gallagher & Associates. The revamped exhibition will feature immersive environments, updated multimedia displays, interactive elements, and artifacts acquired over the past quarter-century. Firsthand accounts and oral histories will continue to play a central role in the storytelling.

  • The D-Day exhibit will close on February 25, 2026.
  • The redesigned exhibit is expected to reopen in 2027, coinciding with the 83rd anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy.

The players

The National WWII Museum

The official World War II museum of the United States, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a major cultural tourism driver for the city.

Stephen J. Watson

The President and CEO of the National WWII Museum.

Erin Clancey

The Associate Vice President of Collections and Exhibits at the National WWII Museum.

Gallagher & Associates

A design firm known for creating immersive museum environments, which will lead the exhibit development for the D-Day exhibit renovation.

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What they’re saying

“The D-Day Invasion of Normandy is a beloved and foundational part of the Museum experience that has brought June 6, 1944, to life for millions of visitors. This major renovation will ensure we continue to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who participated in the Normandy Campaign, and it underscores how central the story of D-Day is, and has always been, to the Museum's mission.”

— Stephen J. Watson, President and CEO, National WWII Museum (neworleanscitybusiness.com)

“This renovation is an opportunity to strengthen the way we present the story of D-Day. By drawing more fully on the Museum's collection of artifacts and firsthand oral histories, we can create a more direct connection between our visitors and the individuals who experienced the invasion.”

— Erin Clancey, Associate Vice President of Collections and Exhibits, National WWII Museum (neworleanscitybusiness.com)

What’s next

The redesigned D-Day exhibit is expected to reopen in 2027, coinciding with the 83rd anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy.

The takeaway

The National WWII Museum's renovation of its flagship D-Day exhibit underscores the institution's commitment to preserving the legacy of World War II while also modernizing the visitor experience through immersive technology and updated storytelling. This project is part of the museum's broader $300 million campaign to enhance its campus, programming, and historical preservation efforts.