By: Jake Johns
Originally, the U.S. Army Center of Military History planned to close 29 army museums across the country by 2029.
The Lewis Army Museum was one of 29 army museums slated for a possible 2029 closure.
FORT LEWIS, Wash. — The Lewis Army Museum at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which was scheduled to close by 2029, will remain open after the U.S. Army Center of Military History announced Wednesday it would pause all planned closures.
The museum, which houses more than 5,500 military artifacts, was included in a group of 29 Army museums set to close. In a statement, the U.S. Army Center of Military History said that plan will not move forward at this time.
“The U.S. Army Center of Military History has paused all previously announced changes to the Army Museum Enterprise, including proposed museum closures, in accordance with the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026,” the organization said.
U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland has previously spoken out against the planned closure, saying it would harm community connections to the Army’s history in the region. In a statement, the Congress member reaffirmed her commitment to keeping the Lewis Army Museum open.
“While the Army says there is no plan to close the museum at this time, I am committed to ensuring that the Lewis Army Museum keeps its doors open to help our growing community learn about the Army’s history and empower new generations of leaders to serve our nation,” Strickland said.
Strickland previously sent a letter to the Department of Defense in June 2025. In a response, the Army said it plans to keep the museum open while conducting “a detailed review of mission requirements, resources and current museum operations,” adding it would provide recommendations for museum operations and locations.
“The Center of Military History intends to maintain operations at the Lewis Army Museum while this comprehensive evaluation is underway and as JBLM senior leaders explore options for a public-private partnership,” the response said.