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The International Museum of World War II
The most comprehensive collection in the world. A global perspective, yet intensely personal. More than 7,500 artifacts, letters and documents on display.
From icons to the everyday. Original letters, documents and artifacts telling powerful stories.
"The museum is the repository for the actual Holy Grail documents of World War II . . . an amazing collection that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world…"
Producer Band of Brothers and The Pacific
Actor Saving Private Ryan
Coming face to face with history. A multi-disciplinary, hands on approach to Museum learning. Good examples of citizenship and leadership.
An Emotional Journey
"Through this unparalleled collection of original letters and artifacts, we follow the story of the war, from the rise of Nazism to the dropping of the atomic bomb, not as historians after the fact, but by the side of the leaders and the people who lived and died during these dramatic years."
Author and biographer
Museum Trustee
With more than 500,000 pieces, the Archives hold a wealth of research opportunities.
The latest book, based largely on the Museum's collections, was just published by National Geographic.
Contribute to our 2018 Annual Appeal to build on our educational accomplishments
D-Day Exhibition Opening to the public on June 7, 2019
The Many Roles of Women in War
Associated Press: "From snipers to moms: WWII exhibit focuses on women"
Surrender Demand Letter
Original typed letter from "The German Commander" to "the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne" requesting the "honorable surrender" of the American troops.
Rise of Nazism
The question of how Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power is answered by a trove of period artifacts on display in the museum, some of which can be explored online.
Battle of Britain
When Churchill refused Hitler's demand that Britain not interfere in his plans to conquer Europe, he sent the Luftwaffe over the English Channel to attack in July 1940. The ensuing fight, named the Battle of Britain, took place entirely in the air.
The museum displays six different Enigmas, the German code machines used during the war. Although deemed totally secure by the Nazis, the German codes were being deciphered by the British early in the war, giving the Allies a major tactical victory in the area of military intelligence.
While some citizens of conquered nations accepted Nazi rule, others did not, and they placed themselves at great personal risk to subvert and resist the occupiers. The Allies helped Resistance groups in many ways.
America Enters the War
After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor of December 7, 1941, the US entered the war, fighting on two fronts: in North Africa and into Europe in the east, and in the Pacific to the west.
The D-Day invasion was one of the most complex and risky gambits in the history of warfare. It involved more than 150,000 British, American, and Canadian troops attacking the French coast of Normandy from the land, sea, and air, starting after midnight on June 6, 1944.
Under the cover of the war, six million Jewish men, women and children, were systematically murdered in a deliberate act of the German state.
Pacific Front
Artifacts relating to the Pacific Front are less abundant, but the museum has managed to collect a decent number of important pieces.
Museum Info
8 Mercer Road, Natick, MA 01760
visit@imwwii.org
SUMMER HOURS: The Museum is open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 AM to 4 PM for walk in visitors. Last entry is 3 PM. Please complete a waiver form beforehand and bring an I.D.
Groups of 15 or more must schedule in advance by contacting jfarrell@imwwii.org. Group visits are scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays during the summer months. Group visits are only scheduled when the Museum is open to the public.
For student groups, visit For Educators.
Thursday: 9 AM to 4 PM
Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
Whether your visit is scheduled or unscheduled, you must download and fill out a waiver of liability before you arrive and bring it with you, along with an I.D. If necessary, and if available, we may be able to let you fill out a waiver at the Museum.
The Museum is occasionally closed for special events and for inclement weather which we post on this website and on Facebook. We also post weather closings on local television stations.
Closed on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Remember your waiver of liability. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
Action This Day is the quarterly newsletter for the Museum, full of WWII facts, updates on our exhibits and other activities.
See the Archives for past issues!
© 2019 The International Museum of World War II