At 1220 Exhibits, we pride ourselves on our ability to bring history to life through innovative design and meticulous craftsmanship. Our collaboration with the New Orleans World War II Museum has allowed us to contribute significantly to the narrative of the American experience during World War II. This blog post explores our work on three remarkable projects at the New Orleans World War II Museum: the World War II Home Front, the Liberation Pavilion, and the Road to Tokyo, showcasing our commitment to honoring history while providing engaging experiences for visitors.

The World War II Home Front Museum: A Community’s Story

Housed in two historic buildings—the Coast Guard Station and the Boat House—the World War II Home Front Museum immerses visitors in the critical contributions of the coastal region during the war. The museum’s galleries are designed to recreate iconic home front scenes. This includes an A&P Food storefront and a military recruitment office, allowing guests to step back in time and experience life during WWII.

1220 Exhibits played a vital role in fabricating and installing exhibit structures that tell this important story. Our team engineered and produced a variety of electromechanical components, from simple flip panels to complex interactives. One standout feature is the aircraft ID station, which uses projected silhouettes to help visitors learn about various military aircraft. The airship steering simulation invites guests to take the helm, offering a hands-on approach to understanding wartime navigation.

Our commitment to quality is evident in the graphics we produced for the museum. From direct-to-substrate panels to wall murals and backlit graphics, every detail was carefully crafted to enhance the visitor experience. The audiovisual hardware we installed for 14 separate experiences includes an Intro Theater featuring two projectors, oral history kiosks, and interactive exhibits in the Radar Room.

Celebrating Artifacts with Care

Our artifact technicians worked diligently to ensure that the museum’s extensive collection of over 90,000 artifacts was presented in the best light. This involved revising case layouts based on final object sizes and creating custom mounts for 60 items. By meticulously crafting each element, we helped create a space that educates and resonates emotionally with visitors.

The Liberation Pavilion: A Comprehensive Journey Through WWII

The National WWII Museum’s Liberation Pavilion showcases 1220 Exhibits’ expertise across nearly 15,000 sq. ft. of immersive exhibit space. This area highlights personal stories, iconic imagery, and impactful artifacts. All of these combined bring the narrative of World War II to life in a compelling way. The pavilion features galleries that soar 13 feet high, providing comprehensive coverage of the exhibits within.

One of the most striking features is the two-story Confetti Wall. The Confetti Wall consists of over 100 backlit, laser-cut galvanized panels that evoke the feel of a ticker-tape parade. This exhibit serves as a powerful reminder of the celebrations that followed significant victories during the war.

Overcoming Challenges with Expertise

A significant challenge faced by our team during the creation of the Liberation Pavilion was the meticulous recreation of Hitler’s Salt Mine. This is where stolen European artworks were hidden. This gallery includes reproductions of famous art pieces in custom Italian frames, requiring careful planning and precision fabrication. To achieve the desired outcome, we constructed the Salt Mine in our warehouse before disassembling and installing it on-site in New Orleans. Through collaboration with structural engineers and the use of 3D scans, we successfully navigated the complexities of this project.

The Road to Tokyo Exhibit: Understanding the Pacific Campaign

The Campaigns of Courage Pavilion at the New Orleans World War II Museum features the Road to Tokyo Exhibit. This exhibit delves into the complexities of the Pacific Campaign. This exhibit guides visitors through pivotal moments, from the Pearl Harbor attacks to Japan’s eventual surrender, highlighting the cultural differences and extreme conditions faced by American soldiers.

With over 350 artifacts curated from the museum’s extensive collection, this exhibit provides a tangible connection to history. 1220 Exhibits was instrumental in the installation process, ensuring that every piece was displayed thoughtfully and meaningfully.

Watch List: WWII Films and Shows

To enhance your understanding of World War II, we recommend a watch list of films and TV shows that depict various aspects of the war:

• Band of Brothers: This acclaimed miniseries chronicles the experiences of Easy Company during the war.
• The Pacific: A companion piece to Band of Brothers, this series focuses on the U.S. Marines’ experiences in the Pacific theater.
• Masters of the Air: This television series explored the air war over Europe.
• All the Light We Cannot See: This adaptation tells the story of a blind French girl and a German soldier during the war.
• WWII in Color: A documentary series that presents historical footage of the war in color.
• The Six Triple Eight: Premiering in December of this year, this film focuses on the only all-Black, female battalion to serve in Europe during WWII.

1220 Exhibits Work at the New Orleans World War II Museum

At 1220 Exhibits, our work with the New Orleans World War II Museum is not just about fabrication. It’s about telling the stories that shaped our world. By crafting immersive exhibits that engage and educate, we ensure that the lessons of history are preserved for future generations. If you’re interested in experiencing these powerful narratives firsthand, be sure to visit the museum and explore all that it has to offer.