Galleries

A 9,000 square foot marble rotunda will greet guests on their arrival at the museum. For some, it will begin their journey into the history of the U.S. Infantry. For others, it will be a gathering place for meetings, dinners or dances. Infantry flags and icons will ring the rotunda, reminding visitors of military values of duty and sacrifice.

Artist's conception of Grand Rotunda

The grand rotunda will lead to an orientation theater, and the eight-gallery Ring of Time. Each 5,000 foot gallery will tell the comprehensive story of the United States Infantry by focusing on historical developments and milestones in a series of walk-in environments from Colonial times to the present day. Periods include:

• Colonial Period (1607-1783)
• Early National (1784-1821)
• Expansion and the Civil War (1821-1872)
• The Frontier (1873-1898)
• Entering the International Stage (1898-1920)
• World Power (1920-1947)
• Cold War (1947-1989)
• Modern (1989-Present)

Seven more thematic galleries, each about 2,000 square feet, will explore in-depth topics and events related to U.S. Infantry history with engaging interactive exhibits that will be changed to be kept current every three to five years. Themed galleries include:

• Through a Soldier’s Eyes/History of Military Training
• Decorations/Medals of Honor
• Weapons
• Mechanization
• The Fort Benning-Columbus Story
• Airborne
• Those Who Support
• Ranger Hall of Fame
• Officer Candidate School (OCS) Hall of Fame
• Military Art Collection
• A 5,000 square foot temporary exhibition gallery will offer visitors exhibitions on social history topics of wide general appeal.
• A 300-seat state-of-the-art digital theater will bring big-screen movies to Columbus for the first time.
• A 40-seat Army Adventure simulator attraction will provide an entertaining an educational "ride" experience for young and old visitors alike.
• A military-themed café will offer visitors lunch and refreshments, and a museum shop will sell books, souvenirs and educational toys.