The 25ft tall statue is of the famous photograph taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt during the VJ Day celebrations in Times Square in 1945. Located next to the USS Midway Museum in downtown San Diego the statue is quite popular with couples striking the same pose and having their picture taken next to the huge fiqures. The official name of the 6,000-pound sculpture is “Unconditional Surrender” however most people just call it the kiss statue. The work of art was dedicated on February 11, 2007 and has been turning heads ever since.
Bob Hope Memorial (with USS Midway CV-41 in background)
Active-duty military personnel (including Reservists) with valid ID (daytime admission only)
Explore a City at Sea on this San Diego Navy Ship
Prepare yourself for a lifetime memory aboard the USS Midway Museum. You'll explore a floating city at sea and relive nearly 50 years of world history aboard the longest-serving Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Admission includes a self-guided audio tour to 60 exhibits throughout the historic aircraft carrier and 25 restored aircraft.
Exhibits range from the crew's sleeping quarters to a massive galley, engine room, the ship's jail, officer's country, post office, machine shops, and pilots' ready rooms, as well as primary flight control and the bridge high in the island over the flight deck. Especially popular are the museum docents you'll meet throughout the ship. Each is eager to share a personal story, an anecdote, or amazing statistic, adding to your amazement throughout your adventure. (Most visitors spend 3-4 hours aboard Midway!)
Family-oriented activities for all ages abound: three types of flight simulators, music videos, short films, climb-aboard aircraft and cockpits, interactive exhibits, "Ejection Seat Theater," and much more.
Hours of Operation
The USS Midway Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Last admission is at 4 p.m.
Get there early because free tours of the bridge (w/ admission) stop earlier in the afternoon.
