Bette Davis served the desserts. Marlene Dietrich and Lauren Bacall danced the night away. Red Skelton told the jokes and Bing Crosby crooned. The place was The Stage Door Canteen and the guests were the steady stream of GIs headed off to war. Many were leaving home for the first time and the Canteens offered a welcome opportunity to forget their anxieties, if only for a time, with entertainment, fellowship and a little American spirit.

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans honors this memorable war-time tradition in our very own Stage Door Canteen, an exciting new entertainment and dining destination.

The Stage Door Canteen presents a wonderful weekly series of unique entertainment — evening performances and matinees of headliner acts, signature musical productions, big bands, dancing, The Victory Belles vocal trio, and more! All the songs, style, stars and spirit of this incomparable era, and only at The Stage Door Canteen! Enjoy pre-show dinner, brunch or lunch by Chef John Besh and The American Sector restaurant.