Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site Remains Open Despite Hotel Renovations

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FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — The Nimitz Hotel museum at the Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site-National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg will be closed for renovations beginning July 31. However, all other facilities located on the campus will remain open to the public.

The main campus includes the National Museum of the Pacific War-George Bush Gallery, the Japanese Garden of Peace, the Pacific Combat Zone, the Plaza of the Presidents, the Surface Warfare Plaza, the Memorial Wall, the Veterans Walk of Honor and the Center for Pacific War Studies.

The state historic site is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and World War II in the Asiatic — Pacific Theater.

In addition to 30,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space, the museum boasts an impressive display of Allied and Japanese aircraft, tanks, guns and military equipment used during the Pacific War campaigns.

Exterior renovations of the hotel, originally built in the 1850s, include replacing the roof and extending the staircase to the third floor. The renovation project is expected to be completed in 18-24 months.

All exhibits inside the hotel will be replaced with more current exhibits all focusing on the life and military career of Admiral Nimitz, a Fredericksburg native. The second floor will be converted into an education center. The ballroom will be updated to host receptions and other events, and will return to its 19th century ambiance. Other renovations to the historic property will include a meeting room with seating for 55 and new audiovisual equipment.

During the renovation, the historic site’s Main Street entrance will be closed and entry will be through the George Bush Gallery on Austin Street. Entrance fees are $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free for children 12 and younger. Visitors who have a Texas State Parks Pass can get in free. The buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. The grounds are open from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About 100,000 people visit this historic site each year. Visitors come from all over the world in including Europe, Japan and China.

For more information please call (830) 997-4379 or check online at (http://tpwd.texas.gov/park/nimitz/).