PA Museums

Exploring the Visitor Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park

Collage of four images from the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. Top left: The center's stone exterior with the entrance sign. Top right: An indoor theater with a large mural depicting a scene from the Civil War. Bottom left: The Cyclorama painting showing a detailed and colorful battle scene. Bottom right: A museum display featuring a Civil War-era cannon and historical exhibits.

If you’re looking for information about the Visitor Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park, you’re in the right place!

The entrance sign of the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center, featuring the National Park Service emblem on a stone pillar. The sign, set against a backdrop of green trees, has a rust-colored background with white lettering that reads 'Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center' beneath the National Park Service and U.S. Department of the Interior titles. — Visitor Center.

The Gettysburg National Military Park preserves a large portion of the ground on which the Battle of Gettysburg took place, one of the defining events in our nation’s history.

Exploring the Civil War battlefield in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. — Scenes from the military park.

The Visitor Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park is a gateway to understanding the events of this Civil War battle, making it an essential first stop for any visit to Gettysburg.

Exterior view of the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, a large two-story building constructed of gray stone. The architecture features a series of white-framed windows and a balcony over the main entrance. In the foreground, there's a stone sign with carved lettering that reads 'Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.' — Visitor Center.

In this article I’ll explore the Visitor Center’s three key attractions: a film presentation entitled “A New Birth of Freedom”, the mesmerizing Cyclorama, and the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War.

Attractions at the Visitor Center.

Directions | Hours | Fees

The Visitor Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park is located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

From March 1 to November 30 the Visitor Center is open daily, 8 am to 5 pm; over the winter the hours are daily 9 am to 4 pm.

Statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting on a bench outside the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. The bronze sculpture features Lincoln in a relaxed pose, one leg crossed over the other, with a stovepipe hat resting on the bench next to him. The visitor center has large windows and a stone facade, and there are bare branches of a tree partially visible above the statue. — Statue of Lincoln outside the Visitor Center.

The admission fee to view all three attractions is:

Adult (ages 13+) = $20.75
Seniors (65+), Military Veterans, AAA = $19.75
Youth (ages 6-12) = $15.75
Active Duty U.S. Military Personnel = FREE
Children (5 and under) = FREE.

Interior of the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center showing an exhibit hallway. To the right, a large mural depicts a sunny Civil War battlefield with a fence, and to the left, informational panels and a quote 'NEVER FORGET WHAT THEY DID HERE' are prominently displayed. The space is dedicated to the remembrance of the Battle of Gettysburg, with various exhibits and acknowledgments to the Donahue Family Foundation for their support. — Hallowed Ground exhibit.

The Film Presentation

Narrated by award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, the 20-minute film “A New Birth of Freedom” is screened every 15 minutes in summer and every 30 minutes in winter.

Inside a darkened theater at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center, a large screen displays a colorful and artistic depiction of two muscular figures, one in blue and one in gray, representing the Union and the Confederacy, with their arms locked in a struggle. The background of the image is filled with historical text and excerpts from documents relevant to the Civil War era. — A New Birth of Freedom.

This cinematic piece outlines the buildup to the American Civil War and the occurrences leading to the confrontation at Gettysburg.

Inside a darkened theater at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center, a large panoramic screen displays a map of the Gettysburg battlefield with the Confederate flag on the left and the Union flag on the right, symbolizing the two opposing forces. The screen also shows an image of soldiers in combat. — The 20-minute film highlights the circumstances leading up to Gettysburg.

The Cyclorama

The Cyclorama at the Visitor Center is a massive 360-degree painting that depicts the climactic third day of the Battle of Gettysburg, famously known as Pickett’s Charge.

Visitors observing the Gettysburg Cyclorama at the National Military Park Visitor Center. A group of people are standing on a circular viewing platform, surrounded by a panoramic mural depicting the Battle of Gettysburg. The cyclorama extends into the background, providing a 360-degree view of the historic landscape and battle scenes. The platform's railing guides the visitors as they take in the detailed artwork that immerses them in the Civil War era. — Exploring the Cyclorama.

Accompanied by a light and sound show, the Cyclorama is a marvel of artistry and historical accuracy, offering a panoramic view of the battlefield.

A vibrant section of the Gettysburg Cyclorama at the National Military Park Visitor Center depicting the heat of battle during the Civil War. The panoramic painting shows a dramatic clash between Union and Confederate forces, with cavalry and infantry engaged in combat. Smoke from cannon fire fills the air, and the ground is littered with fallen soldiers and horses. The foreground seamlessly transitions into a three-dimensional diorama, including realistic terrain and period artifacts like weapons and ammunition, enhancing the immersive experience of the historic scene. — The Cyclorama was completed 20 years after the Battle of Gettysburg.

It’s an immersive experience that allows visitors to feel as though they are standing in the midst of this critical moment in history.

A vibrant and detailed segment of the Cyclorama at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center, depicting a dynamic scene from the Battle of Gettysburg. The painting shows Union and Confederate troops engaged in intense combat, with cavalry charging, cannons firing, and fallen soldiers on the battlefield. The landscape in the background features the rolling hills and farmland characteristic of Gettysburg, under a partly cloudy sky. — The Cyclorama is 42 feet high and 377 feet in circumference.

The Museum

The Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War at the Visitor Center is a 22,000 square foot treasure trove of artifacts, exhibits, and educational displays.

An artillery exhibit at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center, featuring a Civil War era cannon prominently displayed in the foreground. The cannon, mounted on a wooden carriage with large spoked wheels, is positioned in front of a series of exhibit cases containing additional artifacts. Informative displays and historical photographs adorn the walls in the background, providing context and narrative to the battle and the weaponry used. The room is softly lit, with focused lighting on the cannon and display cases. — The museum features items from one of the largest collections of Civil War relics in the world.

It houses an extensive collection of items from the Civil War era, including weapons, uniforms, and personal items of soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies.

A display of an extensive collection of Civil War-era rifles and handguns at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. The firearms are meticulously arranged on a pegboard wall, each with a descriptive label providing historical context. The exhibit showcases the variety of weapons used during the Battle of Gettysburg, with a focus on their design and function. — Civil War-era rifles and handguns.

The exhibits are thoughtfully curated to narrate the story of the battle, its causes, and its aftermath.

Exhibit titled 'The Battle Is Quiet Now' at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. The display features a large white cross with a red center, along with Civil War-era medical instruments, a wooden chest, and personal items like a plate, a spoon, and a bottle. These artifacts represent the aftermath of the battle, with a focus on the care for the wounded and the solemn peace following the conflict. — “The Battle is Quiet Now.”

Interactive displays and multimedia presentations in the museum offer an engaging and informative experience, suitable for all ages.

A multimedia exhibit at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center with a large screen displaying a map and the portrait of General Robert E. Lee. The map shows troop positions with labels for different divisions at Gettysburg. — One of many multimedia exhibits at the museum.

Final Thoughts

The Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park is more than just a starting point for exploring the battlefield; it’s a comprehensive and immersive introduction to one of the most significant events in American history.

Black and white portraits of Major General George G. Meade of the Army of the Potomac, USA, and General Robert E. Lee of the Army of Northern Virginia, CSA, displayed side by side at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. Both generals are shown in their military uniforms, featuring double-breasted coats with buttons and their respective rank insignias. The portraits are mounted on a wall with captions identifying each general and their command. — Portraits of Major General George G. Meade of the Army of the Potomac, USA, and General Robert E. Lee of the Army of Northern Virginia.

The combination of the film, the Cyclorama, and the museum provides a multifaceted understanding of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Exhibit at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center featuring a large, framed battle flag with a circle of stars on a blue canton and faded stripes. The flag is displayed prominently within a protective case against a maroon panel. Around the flag, the exhibit includes descriptive text and smaller displays with additional artifacts. Historical photographs and information panels can be seen in the surrounding area, providing a comprehensive view of the Civil War era. — Relics from the Battle of Gettysburg.

These attractions, each powerful in its own right, work together to create a deeply moving and educational experience.

Exhibit at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center titled 'Along Cemetery Ridge'. The display case contains Civil War artifacts, including a rifle, a saber, a bugle, a framed photograph of a soldier, documents, and a pair of white gloves. The items are carefully arranged with descriptive labels, providing historical context to the items that were found along Cemetery Ridge. The subdued lighting highlights the artifacts against the dark background. — Relics from Cemetery Ridge.

For anyone visiting Gettysburg, the the Visitor Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park is a must-see destination that sets the tone for a reflective and meaningful exploration of this sacred ground.

Exhibit display at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center titled 'A Park for the Nation, 1933–Present'. The display includes a tan park rangers uniform on a mannequin, historical maps of the Gettysburg area, and various informational panels. There are also photographs, documents, and a ranger's hat arranged in the case. The background text provides context about the history and significance of the park since it was turned over by the War Department to the National Park Service. — Early park ranger memorabilia.

It’s not just a journey through history, but an opportunity to connect with the past in a profound and personal way.

An exhibit display at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center titled 'July 3 – Morning The Best Laid Plans' and 'A Futile Fight'. It features maps, a rifle, a drum, and informational panels detailing troop movements and strategic plans of the Battle of Gettysburg. The exhibit provides historical insights into the battle's unfolding and key figures involved, presented on a backdrop that replicates the textures and colors of the battlefield. — The museum features a dozen galleries.

Nearby Attractions

Exploring the Battlefield at the Gettysburg National Military Park is your guide to the 6,000 acre park that preserves a large portion of the ground on which one of the defining events in our nation’s history took place.

Where and when to find the best fall foliage views on the Gettysburg Battlefield. — Scenes from the battlefield at the Gettysburg National Military Park.

The Jennie Wade House is a historic landmark and museum that memorializes the life and untimely death of Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg.

A photo collage from the Jennie Wade House in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Top left is the house's exterior with the statue of Jennie Wade. Top right shows a tour guide in period attire inside the house. Bottom left depicts a bedroom with a bed and a quilt. Bottom right is the establishment sign of the Jennie Wade House from 1901. — Scenes from the Jennie Wade House.

The Seminary Ridge Museum interprets the history of the Battle of Gettysburg from the museum’s setting inside a building which served as both an observation post and a hospital during and after that battle.

Exploring the Seminary Ridge Museum in Gettysburg PA — Scenes from the Seminary Ridge Museum.

Exploring the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum is your guide to Gettysburg’s newest history museum, which tells the stories of local residents before, during, and after the epic Civil War battle that took place there.

Exploring the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. — Scenes from the Gettysburg: Beyond the Battle Museum.

The Gettysburg Museum of History is home to thousands of unusual artifacts and atypical antiquities from American history, and admission is FREE!

A photo collage from the Gettysburg Museum of History in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Top left shows the museum's street sign featuring an eagle and proclaiming 'FREE MUSEUM'. Top right depicts an exhibit with Civil War artifacts, including portraits and a chair. Bottom left is an interior view with various memorabilia and a large presidential seal. Bottom right presents military uniforms and World War memorabilia. Each image displays a part of the rich historical collection of the museum. — Scenes from the Gettysburg Museum of History.

The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg explores the significant events, individuals, and narratives that defined the American Civil War.

The collage features four images from The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The first image is the museum's entrance sign, the second shows a life-size diorama of an artillery soldier in action, the third is an exhibit of Union military uniforms and weaponry, and the fourth contains a quote from General William Tecumseh Sherman next to medals and ribbons. Together, these images offer a glimpse into the museum's efforts to chronicle and honor the history of the American Civil War. — Scenes from the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg.

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