Contact: Karis Erwin, National WWI Museum and Memorial, 816.888.8122, kerwin@theworldwar.org
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National WWI Museum and Memorial announced its newest exhibition, Paris at War. Opening Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, Paris at War examines the city’s dramatic shift from the flourishing days of the French empire to the uncertainty and hardship brought on by World War I. Stories come to life from the City of Lights: the mobilization of troops in the city, the hardships borne by Parisians and the arrival of American troops, culminating with the Paris Peace Conference of 1919.
Paris at the turn of the 20th century blazed with light and romance, art and optimism, science and culture; it was the pinnacle of French imperialism and influence. German shells brought an abrupt end to the city's romantic era, beginning a struggle for survival. Aerial raids necessitated blackout regulations, snuffing out the city’s famed lights. The people endured food and fuel shortages that led to rationing, hardship and even work strikes.
“Paris at War allows us to showcase the Museum and Memorial collection’s international focus and tell the stories of ordinary people who lived in Paris or were passing through,” said Dr. Chris Juergens, Senior Curator of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. “The diverse selection of artifacts, first-hand accounts, sound recordings and original film footage all deliver a unique exhibition experience that transports visitors to wartime Paris.”
As soldiers and civilians from French colonies and other Allied troops converged from all over the world, Paris itself became a crossroads of cultures. At the same time, Parisian communities of different classes, races, genders, and religions faced shifting moments of unity and division under wartime pressures.
American troops arrived in 1917, bringing new hope – and faces – to a war-weary city. The exhibition concludes with the decisions made during the Paris Peace Conference that continue to shape our world today.
Admission to Paris at War is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military and $6 for youth. When combined with a General Admission ticket, the exhibition is just $4 additional. A variety of engaging programs will support the exhibition. Stay tuned to theworldwar.org for more information.
Paris at War is an initiative of The Center for Religion, Culture and the Great War, made possible through generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc. The exhibition is supported by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund and by donors to the National WWI Museum and Memorial.
About the National WWI Museum and Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. The Museum and Memorial takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. Designated by Congress as America’s official World War I Museum and Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National WWI Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialogue and learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations. To learn more, visit theworldwar.org.