Virginia War Museum

10/09/2026

Have you visited the Merci Train exhibit yet at the Virginia War Museum? Here's your invitation!

📍 Virginia War Museum
9285 Warwick Blvd.
🗓️ Wednesdays through Sundays
⏰ 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
🎟️ Included in regular admission price. Adults – $8.00; seniors (62 & older) – $7.00; children – (ages 7-18) – $6.00; family (immediate household only) – $20.00; $1.00 discount for military or AAA members with card.

Visit Newport News
City of Newport News, VA - Government

10/06/2026

The new Merci Train exhibit is now officially open to the public at the Virginia War Museum, 9285 Warwick Blvd. in Newport News after a ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday, October 3. The Merci Train: A Story of Generosity and Gratitude runs indefinitely and is a must see.

The French Gratitude Train, commonly referred to as the Merci Train, consisted of 49 boxcars given to the United States by France in 1949. One was sent to each state and one to share between Washington, DC and then-territory of Hawaii. The idea was to thank the United States for more than $40 million in food and supplies sent to France and Italy on the American Friendship train in the aftermath of World War II. The Commonwealth’s Merci Train boxcar is housed at the Virginia War Museum.

Inside the boxcars were gifts including statues, clothes, furniture, dolls, ornamental items, and more donated by more than six million French and Italian citizens. “Merci America” was painted across the freighter. Curators at the Virginia War Museum were able to locate 15 of the original gifts, which are on display.

📍 Virginia War Museum
9285 Warwick Blvd.
🗓️ Wednesdays through Sundays
⏰ 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
🎟️ Included in regular admission price. Adults – $8.00; seniors (62 & older) – $7.00; children – (ages 7-18) – $6.00; family (immediate household only) – $20.00; $1.00 discount for military or AAA members with card.

Visit Newport News
City of Newport News, VA - Government

10/03/2026

10/02/2026

The Virginia War Museum, 9285 Warwick Blvd. in Newport News announces the opening of its newest exhibit, The Merci Train: A Story of Generosity and Gratitude, on Saturday, October 3 with a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m.

The French Gratitude Train, commonly referred to as the Merci Train, consisted of 49 boxcars given to the United States by France in 1949. One was sent to each state and one to share between Washington, DC and then-territory of Hawaii. The idea was to thank the United States for more than $40 million in food and supplies sent to France and Italy on the American Friendship train in the aftermath of World War II. The Commonwealth’s Merci Train boxcar is housed at the Virginia War Museum.

Inside the boxcars were gifts including statues, clothes, furniture, dolls, ornamental items, and more donated by more than six million French and Italian citizens. “Merci America” was painted across the freighter. Curators at the Virginia War Museum were able to locate 15 of the original gifts, which will be on display.

📍 Virginia War Museum
9285 Warwick Blvd.
🗓️ Saturday, October 3
⏰ 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
🎟️ Included in regular admission price. Adults – $8.00; seniors (62 & older) – $7.00; children – (ages 7-18) – $6.00; family (immediate household only) – $20.00; $1.00 discount for military or AAA members with card.

Visit Newport News
City of Newport News, VA - Government

08/25/2026

Virginia War Museum and Newport News Parks and Recreation present a very special photography exhibit commemorating 25 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. "25 Years in Focus" by Vernon L Carter will open Friday, September 11 and run through Saturday, October 31. Guests will also have the opportunity to share their memories, experiences and thoughts of that unforgettable day as part of a unique community memory archival project.

📍 Virginia War Museum
9285 Warwick Blvd, Newport News
🗓️ September 11 - October 31
⏰ Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
🎟️ Exhibit is included in the price of regular admission: Adult – $8.00; Seniors (62 & above) – $7.00; Children (ages 7-18) – $6.00; Family (immediate household only) – $20.00; $1.00 discount for military or AAA members

Visit Newport News
City of Newport News, VA - Government
Virginia War Museum

07/07/2026

Get your tickets today! Just $20/person at bit.ly/ShipyardExperience

The city's beautiful air-conditioned trolley departs from the Virginia War Museum parking lot.

07/04/2026

Friends, it was ✨ 250 Years Ago Today ✨

A bold experiment began when representatives of the 13 colonies made a promise that still resonates.

They “mutually pledged to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor” in order to bring about a new nation and a future they could only imagine.

As we reflect on this milestone, may we remember the power of standing together for something greater than ourselves.

Here’s to 250 years of resilience, vision, and the ongoing work of shaping a more perfect union.

06/18/2026

We'll be closed on Friday, June 19th for the Juneteenth holiday but look forward to seeing you Saturday!

06/16/2026

250 REWIND | Free Museum Admission All July Long

Celebrate 250 years of American freedom by exploring the stories, people, and places that shaped our nation and community. Throughout the month of July, enjoy FREE admission to participating Newport News museums and historic sites, including the Virginia War Museum, Historic Endview, Lee Hall Mansion, Lee Hall Depot, and the Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center.

Step back in time, discover local history, and join us in commemorating America's 250th anniversary.

📅 July 1–31, 2026
🎟️ Free Admission

🏛️ Five Historic Sites • One Historic Celebration