CELEBRATE THE MARINE CORPS 250TH BIRTHDAY AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS
While the full Museum operations remain closed due to the ongoing federal shutdown, the 250th birthday celebration of the United States Marine Corps will continue — and we invite you to be part of it!
Join us on November 10th as we honor 250 years of Marine Corps history, tradition, and legacy with a full day of birthday events at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. While the Museum galleries will remain closed, we’re planning plenty of exciting activities for visitors of all ages — both indoors and outdoors — to ensure the spirit of the Corps is fully celebrated.
Whether you have an hour or a full day, you’ll find music, cake, commemorative coins, and more waiting for you. Explore everything happening below and stay tuned for any updates.
Things to Do Around the Museum
Cake Cutting Ceremonies
Experience the time-honored tradition of a Marine Corps cake-cutting ceremony.
One cake-cutting will be at 10am, followed by another at 2pm.
Complimentary cake will be provided to visitors.
250th Coin Giveaway
Be among the first visitors to receive a limited-edition coin* with purchases made at the Medal of Honor Theater, Museum Store, or Museum restaurants on November 10th. A few coins will also be hidden throughout Semper Fidelis Memorial Park and the Chapel—see if you can find one!
*while supplies last
Tun Tavern
Sit-down dining inspired by the Marines’ legendary birthplace. Purchase an exclusive 250th pint glass while you're here.
Open at 10:00 AM November 10 | No reservations required
Honor Veterans and celebrate the Marine Corps’ 250th Birthday. Pick up a free flag at the Medal of Honor Theater and place it along the trails of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park — at a monument, your brick, or in memory of a loved one. Flags available while supplies last, sponsored by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
Museum Store
Rare in-store 10% military discount for active duty, veterans & families. Purchase an exclusive 250th rocks glass while you’re here!
Available November 10th only.
Online Store Promo
Shop online at the Museum Store. All shoppers save 15% with code SaluteToYou15.
How the Celebration Is Still Happening — Even During the Government Shutdown
The National Museum of the Marine Corps remains closed due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. However, the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps will still be honored with a full day of celebration on Monday, November 10, 2025.
While the Museum galleries will remain closed, in compliance with the law, no government obligation will be incurred for this event thanks to the generosity of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, which will provide the ceremonial cake and livestream the event. All participants in the official ceremony will be active-duty or retired Marines. The event remains open to the public.
Please note: Outside of this special occasion, the Museum’s restaurants, store, and Medal of Honor Theater remain closed, as there is no guaranteed visitorship to support their daily operation during the shutdown. However, for this one-day milestone celebration, we anticipate a strong turnout of Marines, families, and supporters — and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation will reopen these spaces to ensure a full and meaningful experience for all who come together to celebrate the Corps’ 250th birthday.
SAMPLE ITINERARIES
Got 1 Hour?
Watch "We, The Marines" in the Medal of Honor Theater
Stop by the Museum Store to purchase 250th Commemorative gifts & apparel
Got 2 Hours?
Buy a beer for yourself and a veteran in Tun Tavern
Join a cake-cutting ceremony or performance
Visit the U.S. Mint booth for your commemorative coin
Half-Day Adventure
Lunch at Tun Tavern or grab a quick bite at Devil Dog Diner
Walk through and place a flag in the Park
Search for a 250 challenge coin in the Park, Chapel or Store
Watch "We, The Marines" in the Medal of Honor Theater
Shop exclusive discounts at the Museum Store
Make a Day of It! Do it all — from the Cake Cutting Ceremonies and String Quartet performance to the Theater, U.S. Mint booth, Tun Tavern, Devil Dog Diner, and every special event.
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