The Marine Corps Heritage Center: Our Present

The National Museum of the Marine Corps

Since opening to the public on November 10, 2006, the National Museum of the Marine Corps has quickly become a place for Marines to convene, share their experiences, celebrate their victories and honor their fallen. The Museum has welcomed over 6.9 million visitors and has received rave reviews from Marines and civilians alike. Currently the Museum includes over 1,000 artifacts including tanks, aircraft, small arms, uniforms and over 1,800 photographs, letters and illustrations. Interactive and immersive experiences allow guests to travel along the frozen TokTong pass in Korea amidst enemy troops, disembark a helicopter into the landing zone atop Hill 881 South in Vietnam and experience American history as seen through the eyes of Marines.

At 120,000 square feet, the Museum opened with exhibits documenting World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War, as well as galleries on boot camp, combat art, and the current Global War on Terrorism. Three additional galleries interpreting the period from 1775 through the Civil War, the Age of Expansion and World War I opened June 5, 2010.
 
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation recently completed construction of additional galleries and spaces within the Museum, which will tell the stories of Marines from 1975 through today. Once complete, the Museum will encompass more than 237,000 square feet. The Foundation continues fundraising to support and expand programs at the Museum and beyond its walls.

​Semper Fidelis Memorial Park

Semper Fidelis Memorial Park overlooks the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Dedicated to the service of all Marines, it is a place of remembrance and reflection. The Park is located on approximately 23.3 acres of high ground and is an important part of the Museum visitor’s experience. Over 40 monuments within Semper Fidelis Memorial Park honor Marines of the past and present. The Park comes alive with strategically-placed commemorative statues of former Commandant of the Marine Corps LtGen John A. Lejeune, LtGen Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, Iron Mike, Molly Marine and Sgt. Reckless – The Korean War Horse.
 
Semper Fidelis Memorial Park includes 1.07 miles of trails. The ADA compliant pathways provide additional access to Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel and the southern section of the Old Kings Highway, as well as Prince William County Park Authority’s Locust Shade Park. 

In addition to benches and memorials, 30,000 commemorative bricks line portions of the paths throughout Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. The park provides visitors with three scenic overlooks, the Timothy T. Day Overlook, The Patrick F. Taylor Overlook and the Chesty Puller Overlook. These overlooks welcome visitors at different points around the park, providing quiet, peaceful areas for reflection and contemplation.  

Click here to view a map of the Park with monument listing.

Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel

Situated in the woods of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel is a nondenominational chapel that serves as a contemplative space where Marines and all visitors can remember the service and sacrifices of those who have served our nation. 
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Designed by Denver-based Fentress Architects, architects of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the chapel’s structure evokes images of improvised field chapels familiar to all Marines. Constructed using natural materials such as stone and timber, the chapel, with its glass walls, was built upon the concept of a "transparent chapel in the woods," allowing visitors to remain connected to the surrounding nature. With seating for 77 and the ability to hold up to 140 people, the chapel is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is available for weddings, funerals and other ceremonies through the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
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Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel
Children's Playground
An interactive children's playground at the Marine Corps Heritage Center has three levels of entertainment to swing, jump and climb, the playground is loved by families with children of all ages.