A DAY AT THE MUSEUM

Welcome to Punta Gorda, home of the Military Heritage Museum!

The Military Heritage Museum’s purpose is to honor all who serve. From the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts, and across all five military branches, the Museum utilizes multiple methods to educate its visitors on the heritage aspects of U.S. military history. Through a blend of integrating artifacts, veteran museum guides, computer-interactive, graphics, live performance, and audiovisual, the Military Heritage Museum provides unique innovative experiences in its 17,000 sq. ft. facility.

Your journey to the museum will take you through the city of Punta Gorda, a historic town that lies along beautiful Charlotte Harbor. Nearly everything is waterfront here—from hotels and shopping to parks and fine dining. Streets lined with huge royal palms, beautifully restored period homes with wide verandas, brick lanes, streetlamps and benches leave an almost tangible old-Florida atmosphere.

Heading west on West Marion Avenue you will soon come upon the Military Heritage Museum entrance on your right, just before the main entrance to Fishermen’s Village, a top tourist and shopping attraction in southwest Florida. You will find parking both underneath the main museum building as well as in the nearby Fishermen’s Village parking areas. The museum is just a short walk from Fishermen’s Village along a scenic pathway with great harbor views. You can also take a Fishermen’s Village free golf cart ride from the Village to the Museum and back by calling 941-916-0866 for golf cart transport.

As you enter the Atrium of the Military Heritage Museum you will be greeted by our friendly volunteer veterans who serve as museum guides along with the staff at the Dave Martens and Su Miscia Welcome Center. At the Welcome Center you will have an opportunity to select from a variety of tours and programs being offered that day.

One of the most popular tours begins with the Heritage Galleries found on the first floor. After viewing our special rotating exhibit in the Atrium, you head towards the Gulf Theater to view our Tall Ship and Aviation exhibits. While there, peek into the beautiful 247-seat Gulf Theater. From there your journey takes you back through the Atrium to begin your walk-through history. This part of the tour provides an interactive journey through three period rooms of exhibits and displays, beginning with pre-Revolutionary U.S. military history through 20^th century exhibits, right up to modern conflicts. With thousands of artifacts, graphics, videos and realistic dioramas, the gallery experience is unparalleled in southwest Florida.

Nearby, the Hall of Heroes is a special gallery dedicated in honor and remembrance of many great leaders in our history. This gallery also tells the stories of Florida Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients, shares the video stories of veterans from southwest Florida in the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project video interview exhibit.

Along your journey on the first floor, you will find the fully stocked Ship’s Store with its souvenirs, books, other military themed merchandise, and tasty snacks. Feel free to relax at our tables inside the P-51 Club or outside along our veranda.

On the second level become a part of U.S. military history through flight simulations and virtual reality. In the Flight Simulator Room, “fly” an F-16 Fighting Falcon or P-51 Mustang under the helpful direction of a veteran pilot. Don’t worry, there’s no spinning or movement in your chair, and your co-pilot won’t let you crash! Flight simulators are available to visitors aged 10 and up.

The second level also includes the Virtual Reality (VR) Room where you can experience a Special Forces parachute jump, take a spacewalk outside the International Space Station, experience the evolution of flight from the Wright Brothers to modern times, and more! You’ll find your heart racing as you explore the variety of VR experiences. In the VR Room you can also try your hand at the smokeless laser gun range and get in some target practice.

The second floor additionally includes the full-service Learning Lab. The Kidz Discover & Explore Activities are also located in the Learning Lab and are made available to kids ages 5-10 by request.

In addition to our daily museum offerings, the Gulf Theater features a host of entertaining evening shows throughout the year. Check under the Gulf Theater tab for schedules and tickets.

A day at the museum provides opportunities for visitors of all ages. Many families visit our museum and enjoy the variety of activities available, including a Scavenger Hunt to keep kids engaged throughout the galleries and exhibits. The museum also offers a great educational opportunity for children (ask for your Kidz Home kit to take home), college students, and anyone else looking to better understand military history and heritage. Average visits last anywhere from 2 hours to an entire day. Between the ever-changing variety of program offerings available in the theater and other areas of the Military Heritage Museum, our special and rotating exhibits, and the many simulated activities available throughout the second floor, there is more than enough reason to keep coming back.