Listen to this articleAs The National World War II Museum nears its 25th anniversary this summer, the museum continues to invest in multi-million-dollar pavilions at its downtown New Orleans campus.
The National World War II Museum broke ground on the Floyd Education and Collections Pavilion – a two-story educational workspace facility that will be used by museum staff to design and create new exhibits, host educational events and leadership programs, and store collections of artifacts. Located at 1042–60 Magazine Street, the pavilion was made possible through a $7.5 million gift from longtime Museum supporters Timber and Peggy Floyd.
“I am overjoyed at this opportunity to support the growth of The National WWII Museum’s crucial educational mission and help increase access to its indispensable programs and exhibits,” said Peggy Floyd, whose father, Nicholas Dragisic Sr., served in the US Army Air Forces during World War II. “The Museum is truly unparalleled in its efforts to share the war’s history and the stories of those served. I’m proud to be able to play a part in its plans to continue — and expand — this vital work of educating people across the country and world.”
The Floyd Pavilion will be located adjacent to the new Museum Archives and Research Center, now housed in the renovated historic warehouse on the corner of Magazine and Poeyfarre streets.
The Floyd Pavilion will include a dedicated exhibition design and production center, allowing the Museum to centralize and expand its work to develop new special exhibits that will be on display at its New Orleans campus and other institutions across the country. The new space will also provide greater access to the museum’s collection of more than 300,000 artifacts and archival materials. The ground floor of the new facility will house several historic vehicles and an oversized collection of artifacts, bringing back treasures that previously were stored offsite.
The second floor will house the Sanderson Leadership Center, which will allow the Museum to offer leadership programs for corporate and nonprofit executives, civic and military leaders, and students and educators. Construction plans include a custom-built environment that will immerse participants in role-playing leadership programs based on WWII events, enhancing their experience and bringing the history of the war to life in new ways.
“We are deeply grateful to the Floyds for their generosity and commitment to educating future generations about the history of World War II. This gift will have a significant impact as our institution strives to teach and inspire new audiences,” said Stephen J. Watson, President & CEO of The National WWII Museum. “As the Museum enters the next chapter in its history, the Floyd
Pavilion will ensure this history is kept alive, relevant and accessible for learners of all ages and backgrounds.”
The National World War II Museum, originally known as the D-Day Museum, opened in New Orleans in June 2000. In 2004, the museum designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum.
Over the last 20 years, the museum has tremendously expanded across its six-acre campus with a $400 million “Road to Victory Capital Campaign” that has grown the museum from one exhibit hall to seven pavilions. The seven pavilions now include the U.S. Freedom Pavilion, Liberation Pavilion, Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, Solomon Victory Theater, John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion, Bollinger Canopy of Peace, and The American Sector.
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