Exhibits

Museum Exhibit Facts

38,168 sq. ft. of exhibit space
600 historic objects and 5,000 images and documents
3 Decks / 5 Wings dedicated to exhibits
- Deck 02: Lifesavers Around the Globe
- Deck 03: Enforcers on the Seas, Defenders of Our Nation
- Deck 04: Champions of Commerce and Protectors of the Environment
Deck 05: STEM Center
Rotating Gallery
Innovation Lab

Safety Deck Concept Art

Introduction to the Coast Guard

Discover how the Coast Guard developed from a small fleet of 10 cutters into a global force operating around the world.

Color concept art rendering of the Deck 3 Enforcers of the Seas Wing exhibit where visitors will explore the Coast Guard’s role as a law enforcement agency, from counter-piracy operations in the eighteenth century to drug interdiction missions today.

Security Deck Concept Art

Enforcers on the Seas

Explore the Coast Guard’s role as a law enforcement agency, from counter-piracy operations in the 18^th century to modern-day drug interdictions.

Color concept art rendering of the Deck 3 Defenders of the Nation Wing exhibit where visitors discover how the Coast Guard’s war fighting capacity evolved from the Quasi-War with France to the Global War on Terror.

Security Deck Concept Art

Defenders of Our Nation

Discover how the Coast Guard’s war fighting capacity evolved from the Quasi-War with France to the Global War on Terror.

Stewardship Deck Concept Art

Champions of Commerce

Learn how the Coast Guard safeguards American and international shipping by maintaining Aids to Navigation and Marine Safety.

Stewardship Deck Concept Art

Protectors of the Environment

Discover the Coast Guard’s role as environmental protectors, from endangered species and fisheries enforcement to hazardous materials cleanups.

Affiliated Exhibitions

The National Coast Guard Museum is proud to feature partnering exhibitions.

In-Person Tour

The USCGC Eagle Experience

Tour America's Tall Ship

When not underway, the USCGC Eagle will be docked pier side where the public will be able to tour the only tall ship in the American fleet. Acquired by the United States from Germany following World War II, the 295-foot Eagle serves as a training ship for the next generation of Coast Guard officers.
Exhibit

The Pentagon Experience

Visit the Hall of History

Located on the fourth floor of the Pentagon, the Coast Guard History Exhibit covers modern counterterrorism and narcotics missions. The Coast Guard’s story is told through engaging imagery and interpretive exhibits that evoke Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. Opened in 2020, the 300-foot long exhibit is available for viewing by all visitors to the Coast Guard offices within the Pentagon, or upon request for a tour.

STEM Development Center

Will feature simulated operations similar to those carried out by Coast Guard members. The missions will be STEM-focused and will allow visitors to learn what it means to be part of Team Coast Guard! Visitors grasp, through multiple forms of engagement, the qualities and skills it takes to succeed and progress in the Coast Guard.

Qualifications Program - Through hands-on activities, visitors test themselves in skills essential to success in the Coast Guard. Their performance across the activities qualifies them to be part of a community—inspired by actual Coast Guard communities.
Innovation Lab - This lab is a place where children are the inventors. Alongside examples of Coast Guard ingenuity, children (ages 3-9) devise their own creations inspired by them.