For a century, the Liberty Memorial has stood in Kansas City, growing from a community landmark to a nationally designated museum and a global institution.
In 2026, the National WWI Museum and Memorial celebrates its centennial – 100 years of history, stewardship and patriotism – while looking forward to the next 100 years. With exciting events, updated exhibits and special ticket deals, it’s never been easier to explore the museum and memorial.
And this fall, Kansas City can see the Liberty Memorial like never before as museum leaders unveil a transformational lighting installation. It’s one of the easiest ways that residents and visitors alike can celebrate the centennial for Kansas City’s Front Porch.
100 Years of History
Shortly after World War I ended, Kansas City leaders formed the Liberty Memorial Association. They wanted to create a lasting monument for those who had served and died in the Great War, including 441 Kansas Citians who died in battle.
In 1919, the people of Kansas City raised more than $2.5 million, the equivalent of over $49 million today, in just 10 days to build the Liberty Memorial. Two years later, a crowd of over 100,000 gathered to see the Allied commanders dedicate the site. It was the first time the five leaders were together in one place.
Construction was completed in 1926, and President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the monument that year in front of over 150,000 people.
Decades later, the Liberty Memorial began to deteriorate, and it was closed in 1994 due to safety concerns.
But once again, Kansas City rallied around the landmark and came up with a plan to restore it. Supporters also made plans to expand the site, creating a museum to showcase the WWI objects the Liberty Memorial Association had been collecting. Individual donors plus local, state and federal government leaders secured over $102 million for the project.
In 2004, Congress designated the site as the nation’s official World War I Museum, and crews began construction on the state-of-the-art museum and research center below the Liberty Memorial. The National WWI Museum and Memorial opened in 2006 to national acclaim.
That same year, the Liberty Memorial was designated as a National Historic Landmark, a distinction given to less than 40 historic properties in Missouri.
A Lasting Impact
Today, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is considered one of Kansas City’s top attractions, welcoming over 1 million visitors annually.
The nonprofit museum is still dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the world.
And it takes that global approach to heart. Although it’s the official WWI museum of the United States, the museum uses its collection to tell more than just the American story. Every nation engaged in WWI is represented in the museum, making it the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world.
The National WWI Museum and Memorial also has one of the largest collections in the world with more than 350,000 items.
Over the past 3 years, museum leaders refreshed practically every gallery and exhibit in the museum. It was the most expansive work on the buildings and grounds since opening in 2006.
The project included the opening of the Bergman Family Gallery and Open Storage Center, extensive updates to the Main Gallery, and maintenance to the Liberty Memorial.
With a focus on inclusivity and interactivity, visitors can now stand face-to-face with real people from history, step inside the soldiers’ trenches, explore with digital touch tables, view new immersive films, enjoy updated audio guides and more.
KC’s Front Porch
Throughout the years, the museum’s grounds have become Kansas City’s Front Porch, as the locals say.
It’s one of the city’s most popular gathering places, hosting rare exhibits, commemorative moments and iconic events.
The WWI Museum has recently hosted fan festivals for the 2023 NFL Draft and the FIFA World Cup 2026, plus a sold-out concert for popstar Chappell Roan, and each year, thousands gather for the Stars & Stripes Picnic.
And even after the crowds disperse, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is still a favorite spot for more personal moments like sweeping skyline views, afternoon strolls and family photos.
Centennial Gala
This fall, the National WWI Museum and Memorial will celebrate 100 years with the Centennial Gala at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
On Sept. 21, museum supporters, Kansas City’s civic leaders, and national and international dignitaries will gather for an unforgettable night of inspirational tributes, curated bites and a special performance from the Kansas City Symphony.
- When: 6 p.m. reception, 7:30 pm. programming
- Where: Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
- More:Find ticketing info here.
Guests will be able to see artifacts sealed away a century ago, alongside a new time capsule now being prepared. Calligraphers will also create an archival volume of supporters to include in the new capsule.
The evening will wrap up with the debut of Liberty’s Beacon, turning the Liberty Memorial into a modern piece of art.
Liberty’s Beacon
This fall, the immersive lighting installation Liberty’s Beacon will transform the memorial into a canvas of light, sound and motion.
Over seven weekends, three renowned artists will bring the memorials virtues of honor, courage, sacrifice and patriotism to life with an 8-minute experience shown throughout the evening.
Artists Xavier de Richemont, Leslie Epsztein and Camille Gross, and Onionlab will each bring their own creative take to Liberty’s Beacon on their respective dates. Every show is paired with a custom score composed to match.
Then on the final weekend, continuing through Veterans Day, visitors can view all three artists’ creations at once. See the full schedule below:
- Week 1: Sept. 25-27, Xavier de Richemont
- Week 2: Oct. 2-4, Leslie Epsztein and Camille Gross
- Week 3: Oct. 9-11, Onionlab
- Week 4: Oct. 16-18, Xavier de Richemont
- Week 5: Oct. 25-25, Leslie Epsztein and Camille Gross
- Week 6: Oct. 30-Nov. 1, Onionlab
- Week 7: Nov 6-8, Richemont / Epsztein and Gross / Onionlab
- Special Extension: Nov. 9-11, Richemont / Epsztein and Gross / Onionlab
Each installation runs for 8 minutes, and Liberty’s Beacon starts at 7:30 p.m., repeating every 15 minutes until the last showing begins at 10:30 p.m. For the best viewing and listening experience, gather on the North Lawn and bring a blanket.
More in 2026
The centennial celebration doesn’t end there. The National WWI Museum and Memorial has even more plans to commemorate 100 years in 2026.
Welcome Home
For a century, Kansas Citians have supported the National WWI Museum and Memorial. This fall and winter, museum leaders are offering a special discount to say thank you.
From Aug. 1 to Dec. 30, 2026, residents in the Kansas City area’s seven counties – Johnson, Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties in Kansas and Jackson, Clay, Cass and Platte counties in Missouri – can visit the museum with a discounted $10 ticket to see the museum and special exhibts, plus take a trip to the top of the tower.
Residents must show proof of residency with valid ID.
Operation: Us
Generations of Kansas Citians have gatherned at the memorial’s grounds for festivals, concerts, sledding, fireworks and more.
On Nov. 5, the National WWI Museum and Memorial will hold a birthday bash on Kansas City’s Front Porch.
Admission to Operation: Us, an 18+ event, will include two complimentary drinks, small bites and plenty of exciting activities. More details will be announced soon.
Veterans Day
Every year, the National WWI Museum and Memorial hosts a full slate of events to observe Veterans Day.
The highlight of the schedule is the annual Veterans Day ceremony, featuring remarks from dignitaries, a keynote speaker and moving music.
After attending an event, explore the museum. Admission is free for veterans and active-duty military members and half-price for the public.
