"That the Freedom of the Human Spirit Shall Go On": World War II and the National Gallery of Art

May 27-September 7, 2004

Overview: Presented in conjunction with the opening of the national World War II memorial, this special installation commemorated the National Gallery’s wartime effort to protect its art collection and provide respite and inspiration for visiting members of the armed forces and war workers in the city. The display included historical photographs and original guest register pages recording thoughts of visiting service personnel. The installation was part of the Washington, DC 100 day tribute America Salutes the Greatest Generation. The public premiere of the film The World War II Memorial: A Testament to Freedom at the National Gallery also was part of this event.

Maygene Daniels, chief of archives at the National Gallery, was curator. The installation was designed by Barbara Keyes, head of graphics.

Location: West Building, Founders’ Room

Web site: A feature included selected images from the installation and an audio recording of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s speech at the dedication of the National Gallery on March 17, 1941. Related Online Resources

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