Army Museum’s new outdoor event space nears completion

Construction is largely complete, and landscaping has begun on the National Museum of the U.S. Army’s new outdoor space known as Warriors’ Plaza and Field, according to the Army Historical Foundation.

Targeted for completion early this summer, Warriors’ Plaza will include stones collected from the Pentagon after the 9/11 attack, 20 ornamental trees, 18 benches and more than 5,000 personalized bricks, which already have been installed on-site. When complete, the new outdoor space will be open to visitors during museum hours, as well as available for private rental.

One of the first events being planned for the plaza — date yet to be announced — is a family-friendly outdoor movie night with lawn games and food trucks. The venue will also host patriotic celebrations, military ceremonies, vehicle demonstrations, concerts and other events.

Entrance to the National Museum of the U.S. Army

Warriors’ Plaza and Field was funded by the Army Historical Foundation, the Commonwealth of Virginia and other supporters. The construction project has remained on-schedule and on-budget, according to Foundation President Lt. Gen. Roger Schultz (Ret.), who credited Virginia Delegates Mark Sickles and Luke Torian, as well as Fairfax County leaders, for “securing the funding that made the difference in the end.”

A spokesperson for the Army Museum said the facility will be hosting Civil War Days — a mix of free hands-on activities, a panel discussion and symposium — from April 13-15. Additionally, the museum has a new special exhibit. Mary Whyte’s “WE THE PEOPLE: Portraits of Veterans in America” features large-scale watercolor paintings of veterans from all walks of life and representing all 50 states. The temporary exhibit is accessible with free, timed-entry museum admission.

Entrance to the special exhibition at the Army Museum.

The National Museum of the U.S. Army is located at 1775 Liberty Drive on Fort Belvoir.