Military history on display at Patton Museum

The Gen. George Patton Museum of Leadership has been a national institution and a local legend since opening to the public in 1949.

Over the years, the museum’s mission has changed. When opened, it primarily showcased captured enemy equipment and some personal items of Gen. George S. Patton Jr.

By the 1970s, the museum moved to a new facility as the Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor. Public donations funded multiple expansions of this facility into the 1990s.

In 2011 to 2013, the museum transitioned to a museum of leadership that highlights the importance of military history in the development of future Army leaders. Over 70% of the future second lieutenants in the U.S. Army train on Fort Knox each summer as ROTC Cadets.

This primary training population solidifies the Army-wide impact of the museum. Apart from the soldiers it trains, the museum sees over 52,000 visitors annually.

Since reopening to the public in 2021, the museum has updated many of its exhibits and received multiple new artifacts.

In 2024, a UH-1 “Huey” Helicopter that saw combat in the Vietnam War was added. In January of this year, a restored World War II M3A5 “Lee” medium tank debuted with the ability to see inside through open view ports. The museum showcases weapons, vehicles, helmets, and awards, all within the context of stories about past Army leaders.

The museum is free and open to the public. The average visit time is two hours. You do not need a Fort Knox visitor pass. The museum has its own access gate on US 31W just north of the Chaffee Ave exit ramps.

Normal museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. It’s closed on Sundays, Mondays, observed federal holidays and during severe weather.

The museum is wheelchair friendly. Loaner wheelchairs are available and benches are located throughout the facility.

Our parking area is RV friendly, but overnight parking is not allowed. Registered service animals are welcome, pets are not authorized.

Staff interaction for school trips is available. Please contact pattonmuseumstaff@gmail.com for more information.