Mobilizing To Build A World-Class Museum
Major Artifacts Arrive
Some of the Museum’s largest and most iconic artifacts have officially moved into their new home. From the Stuart tank and Humvee to the WWII glider, these pieces required careful planning, coordination, and precision to transport and position within the galleries. This moment marks a major step forward as the Museum begins to take physical shape.
Explore the photo gallery below for a behind-the-scenes look at the move and the scale of these historic artifacts. For more details about the Museum, the upcoming opening, and ways to get involved, please continue scrolling below the gallery.
About the New Museum
The Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum is a new, state-of-the-art, 40,000 square foot facility dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of Minnesota’s veterans. Through immersive exhibits, rare artifacts, and powerful personal narratives, the Museum will honor service across generations while creating a place for reflection, learning, and connection.
Grand Opening: September 12, 2026
Information about grand opening events, admission rates, and hours of operation will be posted on Monday, June 1. To receive the latest updates, please subscribe to our e-newsletter.
Projected Completion: Summer 2026
Our current facility within Camp Ripley remains open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through July 2026.
Support the Museum
This work is made possible by people who believe these stories matter.
Make your impact today. Your donation directly supports exhibit galleries, education classrooms, and public programming that will serve Minnesotans for generations. Every gift helps bring this Museum to life and ensures these stories are preserved with the care and dignity they deserve. Give online today.
Donors will be recognized as part of the Museum experience. Names, including those given in memory of others, will be prominently displayed at the entrance to the facility.
Get Involved
Throughout the design and construction phase, the Museum will host online gatherings via Zoom to discuss interpretation, inclusion, and overall themes. Sign up by email to receive invitations.
If you would like to assist in other ways, including volunteer opportunities, please email us. We are also working to significantly expand our collection, with a focus on artifacts related to the Global War on Terrorism. A list of items we are seeking, and those we are not, is available on our website.
If you have questions or comments, please contact Randal Dietrich, Executive Director. email
When speaking with many audiences throughout my 39-year military career, I have often tried to highlight the importance of support from the American public. I believe it is an essential motivational ingredient for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. Fortunately, despite politics and other opinions, the American people have sustained this support for our uniformed men and women as they have done the Nation’s work in many locations. I saw it prominently during my service in Afghanistan and Iraq, and I continue to see it after my return to Minnesota following my 2019 retirement. It is powerful and, perhaps more than anything else, sends an unambiguous signal to our men and women that we value their efforts.
This support is, of course, essential during times of conflict --- but I would also highlight that this support for our veterans and their families is equally important as they return to our communities. Return to our communities is often a difficult transition --- mainly when our Veterans come with the visible and invisible scars of combat. There is a multitude of ways to address these challenges. One fundamental and tangible way is through public recognition and honor to their service.
I am writing to ask for your financial support for an initiative to recognize our Minnesota Veterans with a world-class museum worthy of their service and sacrifice.
Your support will help us realize this dream of properly honoring generations of Minnesota Veterans for their service to our State and our Nation.
With deepest respect.
General Joseph Votel
General Joseph Votel
