Bollinger Canopy of Peace | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans (2024)

The Bollinger Canopy of Peace spans across The National WWII Museum’s architecturally distinctive campus—visually unifying the Museum’s pavilions and the many stories shared within, while also honoring the American spirit that brought the nation together to defeat tyranny during World War II.

Rising 148 feet above the center of the campus and standing 481 feet long and 133 feet wide, the Canopy’s bold presence reflects the significance of the Museum’s mission. During World War II, 16 million Americans served in the military with over 400,000 citizens giving their lives for the cause of democracy, freedom, and peace. The Canopy symbolizes the values that the WWII generation fought for, the sacrifices they made, and the peace, optimism, and hope they ultimately won for our country.

Made possible through a generous 2015 gift from longtime Museum Trustee Donald T. “Boysie” Bollinger and his wife Joy, the iconic Bollinger Canopy of Peace takes its place as a new landmark on the New Orleans skyline. In the midday sun, the towering, bright-white Canopy serves as a beacon to visitors and locals alike; after sundown, a state-of-the-art lighting system transforms the Canopy into a stunning new nighttime icon bringing greater awareness to the Museum’s mission.

• Louisiana Memorial Pavilion

  The Louisiana Memorial Pavilion exhibits take visitors into the monumental efforts on the Home Front and to the beaches of Normandy—focusing on the thousands of men and women who made Allied victory in World War II possible.

• Campaigns of Courage

  In a war where the terrain was as deadly as the enemy, this pavilion tells the story of American servicemembers abroad—and how they overcame unprecedented challenges on multiple fronts to win victory in World War II. In over 19,000 square feet of exhibit space, two extraordinary exhibitions bring visitors inside the epic story of the war in its most infamous settings, bringing to life jungles, beaches, mountains, and oceans in 19 immersive galleries.

• Solomon Victory Theater

  The Solomon Victory Theater is home to Beyond All Boundaries, a 4D cinematic experience produced exclusively for The National WWII Museum by Tom Hanks—who narrates the film—and Phil Hettema.

• Hall of Democracy

  The Hall of Democracy represents the center of the Museum’s expanding educational outreach initiatives—providing a space that will enable the institution to share its collections, oral histories, research, and expertise with audiences across the world.

• US Freedom Pavilion

  In World War II—the war that changed the world—freedom hung in the balance. Americans answered the call to protect that freedom with 16 million men and women serving in uniform and an untold number of citizens of all ages doing their part on the Home Front. In US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, we honor their contributions.

• The official Hotel of The National WWII Museum, this stunning art-deco style property offers first-class accommodations, meeting spaces, and dining options providing a sophisticated lodging experience for guests.

• John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion

  Now open, the John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion offers up-close looks at WWII macro-artifacts, including the Museum’s patrol torpedo boat, PT-305, which returned to her permanent home on campus in 2022. Museum visitors can observe the fully restored vessel from the Lester and Beverly Wainer PT-305 Viewing Terrace and learn of her wartime crew and tours of duty. The Pavilion also houses the STEM Innovation Gallery, an educational space that gives visitors the opportunity to engage in tactile learning and exploration.

• Founders Plaza

  Founders Plaza creates an impressive entryway to the Museum campus, safe passage for Museum guests, and a pleasant setting for rest and reflection as part of the visitor experience.

• Bollinger Canopy of Peace

  The soaring Bollinger Canopy of Peace, set to stand 150 feet tall, willunify the Museum's diverse campus and establish the Museum as a fixture on the New Orleans skyline.

• Liberation Pavilion

  Three building levels will explore the closing months of the war and immediate postwar years, concluding with an explanation of links to our lives today.