The Visitor Center is now open after two months of major renovations. Come see our updated exhibitions and the new LED screen in the Burke Theatre any day from 9:30AM to 5:00PM.

The United States Navy Memorial Visitor Center tells the story of the American Sailor -- past, present, and future -- and honors, recognizes, and celebrates the men and women of the Sea Services. Through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, storytelling, and creative visuals, the Visitor Center inspires and informs thousands of visitors each year of the rich history and heritage of the United States Navy. It is also a welcome home to our nation's service members.


The Gallery Deck

Begin your visit at Welcome Aboard on the Gallery Deck for an orientation on how the Navy Memorial helped realize a centuries-old dream for the Sea Services. Learn about the dynamic exhibits inside and the impressive features on the "Granite Sea" outside – with the iconic Lone Sailor statue as the centerpiece.

THE AMERICAN SAILOR: AGILE, CAPABLE, AND TALENTED

The American Sailor: Agile, Capable, and Talented tells the story of the birth of the U.S. Navy and evolution of those who defend our country. See how the American Sailor has gone from a generally trained colonial seaman to the highly trained, professional, missile-launching, cyber-minded sailor we know today.

ZUMWALT: THE CURRENT THAT BROUGHT THE NAVY TO THE SHORES OF THE 20TH CENTURY

Zumwalt: The Current that Brought the Navy to the Shores of the 20th Century chronicles the life and legacy of one of the Navy’s most prolific Chief of Naval Operations. Learn about Zumwalt’s life as the CNO and beyond through oral histories, artifacts, personal keepsakes, and first-hand accounts.

AMERICA’S NAVY

America's Navy displays videos of Navy missions and maps of deployments. It spreads the universal message of the Navy through video, digital content, and touch screens and was developed in partnership with the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and Chief of Navy Information (CHINFO). 

NAVY AFTER 9-11

Navy After 9/11 highlights the American-led Global War On Terror and the significant changes brought by 9/11 through the lens of the U.S. Navy. Experience the sounds and imagery of post-9/11 naval ops and get a close-up look at uniforms and objects related to various Warfare and contemporary ship models.


 Delbert D. Black National Chief's Mess

The Navy Memorial is also home to the Delbert D. Black National Chief’s Mess - a large, interactive exhibit area inside the Visitor Center that informs the public about the important and unique role of a Navy Chief Petty Officer (CPO), the immense responsibility it commands, its distinct history, and the immense responsibility and respect of the role of the Navy Chief. It also serves as a special meeting place for CPOs and CPO selectees from commands worldwide.


The Arleigh & Roberta Burke Theatre

The Burke Theatre at the Navy Memorial is a multi-use theatre and auditorium with 222 seats and a 16-foot-tall screen that opens to 30 feet wide. The theatre accommodates a wide range of events, from emotional and memorable military ceremonies to corporate meetings and the latest Hollywood premiere.

Located on Pennsylvania Avenue in the heart of downtown Washington, DC, it is an ideal location for significant, memorable events.


 Navy Log Room

751,832+ Entries

Stop by the Navy Log Room to search for or enroll yourself, a fellow shipmate, or a loved one. The Navy Log is the nation's largest publicly available archive of Sea Service personnel and was established as a tribute to those who have served. It covers the entire history of the Navy from 1775 to the present and tells the story of our Sea Service veterans, preserving naval heritage for generations to come.


Ship's Store

Don't leave without visiting the Ship's Store on the Gallery Deck!

The Ship's Store caters to all military branches and is known for its wide range of branded apparel, mugs, challenge coins, and more. You can even pick up your very own replica of the iconic Lone Sailor statue!