The show is an outdoor, immersive experience that uses cutting-edge technology to bring the stories of World War II to life in a vivid and emotionally impactful way.
At the core of Expressions of America is a combination of state-of-the-art projection mapping, original music, and authentic wartime letters and oral histories. The show projects living murals up to 90 feet tall on the museum’s buildings, enveloping visitors in the experiences of soldiers, nurses, factory workers, entertainers, and others who played crucial roles during WWII.
The projection mapping system, developed in partnership with Solomon Group and Mousetrappe, allows for a highly detailed and immersive visual experience, transforming the museum’s architecture into dynamic storytelling canvases.
The show is hosted by actor Gary Sinise, a well-known advocate for veterans, who narrates the experience, guiding the audience through the personal reflections and emotional journeys of those who lived through the war.
The narrative is enriched by an original musical score performed by members of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, blending 1940s-era music with contemporary arrangements to deepen the connection to the era.
What makes Expressions of America particularly innovative is its use of actual letters and stories from the WWII generation, sourced from the museum’s extensive archives. These personal accounts are presented in a way that is both visually stunning and deeply moving, allowing audiences to connect with history on a personal level.
The show doesn’t just recount events; it immerses visitors in the lived experiences of those who shaped the outcome of the war, making history feel immediate and relevant.
Expressions of America debuted on Veterans Day 2022, to an enraptured crowd that included 22 WWII Veterans, and quickly became a must-see attraction in New Orleans. It is presented under the Bollinger Canopy of Peace, a prominent feature of the museum’s campus, which is specially lit and programmed to complement the show.
The experience runs three to four times a week and is designed to be a permanent fixture at the museum, ensuring that it can continue to educate and inspire visitors for years to come.
This sound and light show is more than just entertainment; it is an educational and emotional journey that honours the sacrifices and contributions of the WWII generation, offering a new way for people to engage with history.
The innovative use of technology and storytelling makes it a powerful and unique experience that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Partners
- The National World War II Museum
- Medici Media, formerly, Mousetrappe Media – Media and Technical Production
- Panasonic – state of the art projectors
- Tempest – Projection enclosure