Monday Fun Day: Marine Corps Museum

For my latest Monday Fun Day, I decided to visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps, which is just outside Quantico Marine Base, about 30 miles south of DC. The museum used to be located on the Washington Navy Yard, but it moved into a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility about 8 years ago. I had never visited the museum in either location. I've heard from many people that the new museum is very impressive, and I was not disappointed.

The exterior mimics the iconic photograph of the Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima.

The exhibit space centers around a beautiful light-filled atrium, dubbed "Leatherneck Gallery."

This was the first of many life-like dioramas featured throughout the museum. I was continually impressed by the amount of detail in these displays.

This was also the first opportunity to have a photo taken with Chesty, the Marine Corps mascot. Chesty is also featured throughout the museum,one of the many interactive activities for the kiddies.

(Side note: while searching for a website on Chesty, I came across these adorable pictures of the newest bulldog puppy to be adopted by the Marine Corps. OMG SO CUTE!!!!)

From the World War I exhibit.

All of the figures in the museum were modeled after real-life Marines that are currently stationed at Quantico (or rather, they were stationed there when the museum opened). Even the German figures were modeled after people of German descent.

From the World War II exhibit.

This is the actual flag raised on Iwo Jima. Pretty cool.

From the Korea exhibit.

This is one small part of the "Frozen Chosin" diorama. This exhibit was a complete sensory experience; not only were there visual scenes, but there were also recorded conversations playing, and the room temperature was lowered to reflect the freezing conditions of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. 

There was a very moving section on 9/11. The exhibit included a detailed timeline of events, as well as first-hand recollections from various Marines. Some of the narratives were told by current Marines who were mere children when it happened (that made me feel old), and they gave 9/11 as the reason they joined the Marine Corps.

This is a piece of the Pentagon. 

This is a beam from the World Trade Center.

Our last stop was the gift shop, which featured this awesome Lego model of Iwo Jima.

We finished out the day by dining at the historic Globe and Laurel restaurant, a favorite of Marines stationed in the area. A fun experience all around!