Military History Museums in Los Angeles
1. Fort MacArthur Museum
The Fort MacArthur Museum at Battery Osgood-Farley in San Pedro details the rich history of Fort MacArthur, a U.S. Army post that safeguarded the Los Angeles harbor from 1914 to 1974. Visitors will find numerous exhibits focusing on harbor defense and home-front activities relevant to Southern California.
2. American Military Museum
The American Military Museum, popularly known as Tank Land or the Tank Museum, is located within the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in El Monte. This museum boasts an extensive array of inter-service military equipment, featuring nearly 200 military vehicles that span from WWI through Desert Storm, including tanks, amphibious vehicles, and bomb loaders.
3. USS Iowa Battleship Museum
Experience history aboard the USS Iowa Battleship Museum, an authentic WWII battleship situated in San Pedro at the Port of Los Angeles. Please note, this site is not wheelchair accessible, making planning a visit necessary for those requiring mobility assistance.
4. SS Lane Victory
The SS Lane Victory is another notable museum ship found in the Port of Los Angeles. This WWII merchant cargo ship played vital roles during the Vietnam War, serving as both a cargo vessel and a museum highlighting its storied history.
5. Sons of the Revolution
The Sons of the Revolution in the State of California operates an American Heritage Library and Museum in Glendale. This institution specializes in genealogical resources and early American history, emphasizing the Colonial and Revolutionary War periods, and it holds a valuable collection of 18th and 19th-century records.
6. Western Museum of Flight
While not exclusively focused on military aircraft, the Western Museum of Flight features an impressive collection of warbirds, target drones, and various aircraft components. This museum offers insights into aviation history alongside an extensive model aircraft collection.
7. Commemorative Air Force
Operating out of the Camarillo Airport, the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing showcases an Aviation Museum. Visitors can expect to see planes from World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Additionally, on select days, guests can witness ongoing restoration work on various aircraft.
8. Queen Mary
Once a luxury ocean liner and now a historical attraction, the Queen Mary also served as a troop transport during WWII. Exhibits and film reels at the attraction highlight her military significance, along with showcasing the Russian Foxtrot Submarine Scorpion, which remains visible to visitors.
9. Drum Barracks Civil War Museum
The Drum Barracks Civil War Museum provides a fascinating look at Los Angeles’s role during the Civil War. Located in the historic 1862 Drum Barracks Junior Officers’ Quarters, this museum tells the story of California’s contributions to the Union’s efforts.
10. Martial Arts Museum
Delve into the rich history of martial arts and its associated weaponry within the Martial Arts Museum located in North Hollywood. The museum explores the profound impact of Asian martial arts on U.S. culture, showcasing various artifacts and exhibitions.
11. Wende Museum
The Wende Museum, located in Culver City, offers an extensive collection of artifacts and documents from Eastern Europe and Russia during the Cold War. It presents exhibits that encompass furniture, visual arts, textiles, and films, providing a holistic view of that tumultuous period in history.
