In addition to over 31,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space, the National Medal of Honor Museum provides a five-acre campus for continued reflection, connection, and learning. 

Whether you’re visiting in spring bloom, under summer sun, or on a crisp autumn day, these outdoor spaces extend the values of the Museum into every corner of the landscape, reminding us all of the bigger picture—and of our innate connection to nature, each other, and the community next door.

The “Floating” Museum

A key feature in the Rafael Viñoly design is how the Museum appears to float over a “field of honor.” This visual motif sets the tone for the grounds below: open, approachable, and thoughtfully balanced. What was once an ambitious concept has quickly become a serene setting for picnics, school group discussions, spontaneous community gatherings, and quiet individual walks.

The Amphitheater 

Overlooking Mark Holtz Lake, the Amphitheater offers tiered seating for 300 guests and is woven into the Museum’s landscaped edge. Sponsored by Loews Hotels & Co., it serves as a venue for ceremonies and presentations as well as an everyday gathering place. Guests often use this area to process what they’ve learned inside—or to prepare themselves for what lies ahead.

Old Glory Plaza 

The Museum architecture directs the eye toward Old Glory Plaza, home to one of the largest American flags in the country. Old Glory Plaza is a space where many visitors either begin or end their visit—a bold visual anchor that blends national significance with personal reflection. 

“The flag stands as a grand testimony to the courageous acts of valor and a reminder of the Recipients’ sacrifice and patriotism.”

Bassam Komati AIA, Partner

Rafael Viñoly Architects. 

The Arboretum and Grove 

Located along AT&T Way and the Nolan Ryan Expressway, the Arboretum offers a natural counterbalance to the Museum’s structural design. Rows of trees donated by President and Mrs. George W. Bush line the perimeter, creating shade and softness among the steel and concrete. The Bushes, who have long supported the Museum, contributed trees from their personal tree farm. Two additional groves can be enjoyed at the Museum as well, generously sponsored by Renda & Rex Tillerson and Gary Weber.

“Presenting the Medal of Honor is one of the great privileges of being President.”
George W. Bush at the Groundbreaking of the National Medal of Honor Museum

Mezzanine and Event Lawns 

A simple, contemplative space designed for pause, the Mezzanine and Event Lawns welcome all beliefs and backgrounds and offer a moment of stillness between stops. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Perot family, whose generous support made this space possible. 

The Light Cannon 

After sunset, the Museum’s central oculus becomes a beacon. Vertical lights pierce the night sky and extend the Museum’s message well beyond operating hours. Whether seen from the surrounding grounds or from above on a flight into or out of Dallas-Fort Worth, this installation was designed to provoke curiosity and offer symbolic visibility. According to Bassam Komati of Rafael Viñoly Architects, “The beacons emphasize the museum’s presence in Arlington, Texas, as a grand monument during the night as well as the day.”

Natural Interest: Three Featured Recipients 

While no single Recipient is directly tied to the landscaping, the values reflected in these spaces align closely with the lives of many featured inside. Here are three Recipients whose stories lend dimension to the outdoor experience:

Desmond Doss 

A combat medic and “conscientious objector” in WWII, Desmond Doss refused to carry a weapon—but never hesitated to run into danger. During the Battle of Okinawa, he rescued 75 men under fire, lowering each to safety despite constant shelling. His bravery earned him the Medal of Honor and the respect of fellow soldiers.

Doss’s convictions shaped not just how he served, but when. On the battlefield, he once asked commanders to delay a major assault until he had finished praying—a request they honored. His deep reverence for life and his steadfast belief in doing what was right, even in chaos, align with the spirit of the Arboretum, Mezzanine and Event Lawns.

Joseph Guy LaPointe Jr. 

A Vietnam-era combat medic and conscientious objector, LaPointe was an avid outdoorsman with dreams of working for the park services. 

“He would not refuse the service,” said his widow, Cindy LaPointe Dafler in a PBS video feature. “His father served in World War II, and he would not bring shame to his father. Making him medic was a natural thing.” 

On June 2, 1969, LaPointe’s patrol came under intense enemy fire. Without hesitation, he ran forward through the gunfire to assist two wounded soldiers. Despite being fully exposed to enemy view, he shielded one man with his body while treating the other. Even after being wounded himself, he continued to provide aid. Refusing to retreat, he held his position until an enemy grenade exploded nearby, killing all three men. His final act was one of unwavering service—choosing to stay and save others, no matter the cost.

Theodore Roosevelt 

Though most visitors know Theodore Roosevelt as a U.S. president, he was also posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his role in the Spanish-American War. Outside of military service, he was one of America’s most outspoken conservationists, responsible for founding the U.S. Forest Service and protecting millions of acres of public lands. His legacy lives on in every preserved natural space—including the Museum’s tree-lined campus.

 

Planning Your Visit 

Every visit to the Museum offers the opportunity to explore both mind and landscape. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the outdoor experience offers new perspectives with every season. While Texas temperatures may encourage a step inside for air-conditioned inspiration, these carefully curated exterior features invite visitors to linger outside a little longer—to walk, to sit, to think.

Join us in July! Don’t miss our Independence Day events—including a sunset gathering at the Light Cannon and family programming on the Parade Grounds. It’s a summer celebration with meaning and memory baked in.

 

Learn more or plan your visit today at mohmuseum.org.