Marine Corps Museum Unveils Powerful Art Exhibition Honoring 250 Years of Service

22 June 2025

Paintings are displayed at the National Museum of the Marine Corps’ new art exhibition. (Kaylyn Barnhart/Stars and Stripes)

In a deeply moving tribute to 250 years of service, sacrifice, and brotherhood, the National Museum of the Marine Corps has unveiled a new exhibition titled “United States Marine Corps: 250 Years of Dedication, Determination, and Courage.” The show features 91 original works of art, most of which have never been displayed before that trace the journey of the United States Marine Corps from the Revolutionary War to modern-day military operations. Officially opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. in Triangle, Virginia, this showcase stands as a milestone in both military history and artistic storytelling.

The museum’s art curator, Joan Thomas, selected these pieces from a vast collection of around 13,000 works. With thoughtful curation, she handpicked artworks that would narrate the unique and powerful story of Marines across centuries. According to Thomas, about 95 percent of the featured works are being displayed for the first time. For her, it was important that the exhibition go beyond just historical documentation and offer a compelling visual experience that honors the Marine spirit. “It’s really nice to be able to share the collections with people so they can see what stories we are able to tell with art,” she said.

The art collection is arranged chronologically, guiding visitors through key moments in the Marine Corps’ past, starting from the Revolutionary War and extending into present-day conflicts. It combines oil and acrylic paintings, prints, mixed media pieces, and striking sculptures. One of the main highlights is the presence of artwork by celebrated combat artists like Marine Colonel (Retired) Charles Waterhouse and the museum’s current artist-in-residence, Kristopher Battles. Their works encapsulate the emotions, tension, and intensity of frontline experiences with remarkable precision and artistry.

Keil Gentry, the museum’s director, expressed his hope that the exhibit will resonate deeply with both current and former Marines, as well as civilians. “I hope that Marines who come to visit will feel that their service has been truly recognized,” he said. “And that young men and women will be inspired to become the next generation of Marines.”

One of the most poignant pieces in the exhibit is by Marine Major (Retired) Joseph Winslow Jr., a combat artist who served in Iraq during Operation Phantom Fury in 2004. His bronze sculpture, titled “Marine Corps fireteam clearing insurgent position and weapons cache, Fallujah, Iraq, Operation Phantom Fury/New Dawn, 2004,” captures a vivid moment from the Second Battle of Fallujah. It's his first work to be displayed at the museum and offers a raw depiction of Marines in action. Winslow describes the piece as a window into both the mindset of the individual Marine and the chaotic environment in which they served. “It talks about two things,” he explained. “What’s going on through the hearts and the hands of the individual Marines, and the environment those Marines were operating in.”

Kristopher Battles emphasized the emotional power of the exhibition. He hopes it speaks not just to history buffs but also to veterans and their families, offering a form of recognition that goes beyond text and uniformed tribute. “I hope that veterans, especially, will see the work and relate to it immediately as something they can remember,” he said. “And know that the Marine Corps cares enough about them to tell their story in a way that is not just words or pictures, but is crafted pieces of artwork.”

In many ways, this exhibition is more than a visual celebration. It is an act of remembrance, a teaching tool for future generations, and a heartfelt salute to those who have worn the uniform with pride. Through the lens of art, it brings together history, emotion, and personal narrative in a way that traditional exhibits often cannot achieve. By highlighting the intimate and sometimes unseen aspects of service life, the museum invites viewers into the inner world of the Marine Corps and pays homage to its enduring legacy.

As the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps approaches this November, this exhibition serves as both a timely commemoration and a powerful reminder of the strength, complexity, and humanity that defines those who answer the call to serve.