National WWI Museum Will Unveil Liberty's Beacon

The Kansas City landmark will debut a light and sound installation this September to honor historic anniversaries.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Fine Art

Graphic illustration of a stone monument tower at night with a bright geometric beam of light shooting into the sky. — The National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City will debut 'Liberty's Beacon' this September, featuring a nightly light and sound show to celebrate two historic anniversaries. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Beginning in September 2026, the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City will host a seven-week light, sound, and motion display titled Liberty's Beacon. The show commemorates both the museum's 100th anniversary and the nation's 250th anniversary.

Why it matters

The installation honors the themes of courage, sacrifice, patriotism, and honor on the tower of a major national landmark. It represents a significant technical undertaking that utilizes specialized equipment to bring historic commemorations to life.

The production team spent two years preparing for the display, which requires 36 laser projectors to map animation onto the tower. Following four nights of testing, the show is scheduled to run for seven weeks.

The players

National WWI Museum and Memorial

Located in Kansas City, this institution is dedicated to remembering and interpreting the Great War and its enduring impact on global society.

Danny Whetstone Productions

Based in Nashville, this production company specializes in large-scale visual and light displays for public venues and major events.

The details

The museum partnered with Nashville-based Danny Whetstone Productions to scan the tower, ensuring the projected art and music align perfectly with the structure. The final presentation will begin nightly at 7:30 p.m. to highlight themes of service and patriotism.

September 2026: The public debut of the Liberty's Beacon installation.
Nov. 11, 2026: The final run of the seven-week exhibition on Veterans Day.

Industry Dynamics

This installation reflects a broader trend of cultural institutions utilizing immersive, high-tech projection mapping to engage audiences during national milestones. It follows a shift where museums increasingly integrate digital art and laser technology to modernize traditional commemorative spaces.

Visitors can experience the installation nightly at 7:30 p.m. throughout the seven-week run. The show is designed as a public-facing tribute, offering residents and tourists a new way to interact with the memorial grounds.

The takeaway

Large-scale projection mapping requires significant lead time and precise technical coordination to ensure visual accuracy on complex architectural surfaces. Visitors planning to see the display should aim for the 7:30 p.m. start time throughout the fall season.