Museum Location

The National Vietnam War Museum site is situated on a twelve-acre site in western Parker County, Texas, just east of the city of Mineral Wells, approximately 40 minutes west of Fort Worth. The property is fronted by US Highway 180 and is just east of the entrance to Lake Mineral Wells State Park, the most visited state park in Texas.

Creating an Understanding of the Vietnam War Era

The National Vietnam War Museum seeks to create for each visitor an understanding of this era in history. Guests will be provided the opportunity to clear up the misconceptions that have arisen, over the years, about the Vietnam War. The exhibits will provide different viewpoints, encourage visitors to raise questions, and provide them with the information necessary to form their own opinions and challenge longstanding misunderstandings.

Just as the reflecting pool outside the building and the contemplative garden settings around the Museum provide for reflection, visitors will be aware of the many opportunities to reflect on the experiences they have within the museum. This opportunity will be built into the entire museum concept.

While we tend to think of the Vietnam War as being primarily a part of the 1960s, the Museum will show involvement that extends far beyond that decade. And the experience in Vietnam had far-reaching significance around the globe. This involvement and experience will be reflected in the various exhibits and galleries of The National Vietnam War Museum.

Museum Concepts

Visitors to The National Vietnam War Museum will find that exhibits are presented as a series of staged settings, much like a theatrical presentation. Instead of a traditional museum with aisles of cases, artifacts will be incorporated into the displays themselves. The various galleries will resemble "snapshots" of events relating to the United States' involvement in Vietnam. Visitors will find themselves transported into these scenarios that will take advantage of photographs, documents, and other graphic and audiovisual presentations to recreate the feelings associated with the presented events. Artifacts will be displayed as they were used, thus enhancing the realism of the setting, and providing visitors with more opportunities for reflection.

A timeline will guide visitors through the galleries, where they will be greeted at each "stage" by different "guides" representing a wide variety of people living during the Vietnam Era, from military personnel to protesters. Video kiosks will provide background information narration with film and still photograph displays.
Exhibit Layout