In its 20th year, the Pritzker Military Museum and Library in Chicago is proud to announce its newest exhibit, Tet and the Battle of Hue.
The groundbreaking exhibit features 10 tactile, 3-D images created from original photographs, plus a variety of artifacts. This exhibit allows blind and visually impaired people to enjoy photography in a unique way with touch-activated sensors providing audio interviews with the Marines depicted in the images. The exhibition will be open to visitors from May 16 to the end of September.
Tet and the Battle of Hue, created by Tactile Images, originally opened in 2018 at the Newseum in Washington, DC. The exhibition was very successful, exceeding expectations with 1.3 million visitors over 14 months.
The exhibition includes images, audio and interactive elements that will allow visitors to experience the personal stories of the men who endured Hue and other engagements during the Tet Offensive in 1968. The images (each with a corresponding fine art print) were created from original photographs taken by Stars and Stripes photographer John Olson during the brutal Battle of Hugh that winter.
Embedded with touch-activated sensors that provide audio interviews with several Marines documented in the photos, the three-dimensional tactile images are designed with accessibility in mind.
“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are dedicated to ensuring that we curate exhibitions and create programs that attract diverse visitors,” said PMML President Dr. Krewaski Salter. “Our goal is to provide meaningful experiences for all who want to learn more about the military, our country’s past and present, so they can help us protect the future.”
The Battle of Hue began on January 31, 1968, with intense fighting that left thousands dead and the historic city virtually destroyed. It was the bloodiest single battle since the Tet Offensive, which took place during the Battle of the City, and was a turning point that changed the course of the Vietnam War.
More than 55 years after the battle, this exhibition is a powerful presentation of images, audio and interactive elements that will allow visitors to relive the personal stories of the men who endured the brutal conflict.
“Tet and the Battle of Hue allows visitors to explore one of the most significant battles in the history of the Vietnam War through the lens of John Olson’s stunning photographs and the personal stories of brave Marines,” said PMML Associate Director and Curator of Collections Drew Ulrich. “From vivid soundscapes to tactile displays, this exhibition leaves no stone unturned in its quest to create an immersive experience. We are thrilled and honored to host this powerful exhibition of history.”
General admission to the Museum and Library is $10 and $8 for seniors and students with valid ID.
This exhibit contains several graphic images that some may find disturbing. We do not recommend exposure to children under sixteen, unaccompanied by a parent or guardian, or those struggling with PTSD. Tours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.pritzkermilitary.org.
The Pritzker Military Museum and Library aims to enhance the public’s understanding of military history, military affairs and national security by providing a forum for the study and research of our military – past, present and future – with a special focus on their stories of service, sacrifice and shared values.
With a national and global reach, these spaces and events aim to share the stories of those who have served and their contributions as citizens and soldiers, helping citizens everywhere to appreciate the connection between the armed forces and the civilians whose liberties they protect. A nongovernmental, nonpartisan organization, the Museum and Library has diverse collections, scholarly initiatives, and community programs from its flagship center in downtown Chicago to its world-class research center and park currently under construction in Somers, Wisconsin.