The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri.

© EQRoy/Shutterstock

National WWI Museum

Top choice in Kansas City


Enter this impressive modern museum on a glass walkway over a field of red poppies, the symbol of remembrance of WWI. Through detailed and engaging displays, learn about a war that is almost forgotten by many Americans. The only quibble is that military hardware and uniforms take precedence over the horrible toll of the trench fighting. The museum is crowned by the historic Liberty Memorial, which has sweeping views over the city.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kansas City attractions

1. Union Station

0.29 MILES

Opened in 1914, KC's Union Station is a sublime example of the magnificent architecture that once was the hallmark of American train stations. Today it…

2. College Basketball Experience

1.19 MILES

Really a gussied-up basketball hall of fame, this interactive (and entirely overstimulating) exhibition lets you try free throws or pretend you're an…

3. American Jazz Museum

1.44 MILES

Learn about different jazz styles, rhythms, instruments and musicians – including Kansas City native Charlie Parker – at this interactive museum, at the…

4. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

1.44 MILES

This comprehensive museum covers the lesser-known history of African American teams, such as the KC Monarchs and New York Black Yankees, that flourished…

5. Arabia Steamboat Museum

2.01 MILES

In River Market, this museum displays 200 tons of salvaged 'treasure' from a riverboat that sank in 1856 (one of hundreds claimed by the Missouri River).

6. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

2.37 MILES

Near the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Country Club Plaza, this museum is small and edgy with rotating exhibitions. The cafe is excellent.

7. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

2.46 MILES

Giant badminton shuttlecocks (the building represents the net) surround this encyclopedic museum, which has standout European painting, photography and…

8. Country Club Plaza

2.69 MILES

Built in the 1920s, this posh commercial district (centered on Broadway and 47th St) boasts finely detailed, sumptuous Spanish architecture. It’s rich…