Volo Museum Unveils Dramatically Expanded and Enhanced Military Exhibit Memorial Day Weekend
Volo, IL — One of the Volo Museum’s oldest and most beloved exhibits is set to make its triumphant return Memorial Day Weekend with the grand re-opening of its Military Museum, following a year-long renovation and expansion.
Housed inside one of the oldest buildings on the property—a late-1800s structure that once served as a chicken coop—the Military Museum has undergone a massive transformation. In a remarkable effort to preserve the historic building, the Volo Museum constructed a protective structure around it and added a 3,000-square-foot expansion. The result is an immersive, one-of-a-kind tribute to U.S. military history and innovation.
The new expansion features:
· A troop carrier once used by Princess Diana,
· A fully weaponized Desert Storm-era Humvee,
· Declassified military prototype experiments,
· A movie-used vehicle from an Indiana Jones film,
· And a real atomic bomb visitors can touch and take a picture with.
Visitors will also experience full combat scene recreations from WWI, WWII, Vietnam, and the Gulf War, and a detailed display paying tribute to the hit T.V. show, M.A.S.H. Enhancements throughout include an interactive military theater, a weapon simulation experience, and a wide range of newly added educational video and audio elements.
“It was a massive financial undertaking with many unexpected challenges due to the age of the original structure,” said Brian Grams, Museum Director. “We not only wanted to create an immersive experience—we wanted to pay tribute to all of the men and women who have served our country, with a visual story that helps people understand the depth of their sacrifice.”
Rather than raising admission prices to offset costs, the museum has implemented a five-token ($5) entry fee for the new exhibit, but will always be free to all active and inactive military with valid ID. From May 24 to June 6, the museum is waiving the fee entirely, allowing all guests with a Platinum Pass, Gold Pass, or general museum admission to experience the Military Museum for free. As always, children ages four and under are free.
“The Grams family really spared no expense,” said Jim Wojdyla, Volo Museum Marketing Director. “What began as simple updates turned into one of the most ambitious expansions in our history. Although a few finishing touches are still underway, we couldn’t wait to share it. The response from our team and guests who previewed it has been overwhelming.”
The museum also advises that due to the intense visuals, loud sound effects, and combat simulations, the exhibit may not be suitable for all visitors. Anyone feeling overstimulated is welcome to exit at any time.
The grand re-opening begins Saturday, May 24, just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, with tributes and attractions that honor the past while engaging and educating a new generation of visitors.
For more information, visit www.volofun.com
