Caen Memorial Museum
Normandie
The Caen Memorial Museum, located in Normandy, France, is a prominent museum and war memorial dedicated primarily to World War II and the Battle for Caen. Established on the site of an old German command bunker, the museum opened on June 6, 1988, the 44th anniversary of D-Day. Architect Jacques Millet designed the building, which houses over 8,000 objects and 100,000 documents predominantly related to the Second World War. The museum's mission is to honor the martyred city of Caen and to educate visitors about the turbulent history of the 20th century, emphasizing the fragility of peace and the spirit of reconciliation. Permanent exhibitions cover the period from the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 through to the Cold War's end in 1989, including a dedicated focus on the Holocaust and the Battle of Normandy. Extensions added in 1991 and 2002 include a Nobel Peace Prize gallery and Cold War exhibits featuring neutralized warheads, aircraft, and a fragment of the Berlin Wall. The museum grounds feature memorial gardens dedicated to American, British, and Canadian forces who fought for liberation, and a striking sculpture symbolizing non-violence stands at the entrance. The Caen Memorial Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, conferences, and educational events that connect past conflicts to contemporary issues of peace and human rights.
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Tip: Visit during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for special exhibitions and guided tours. The museum offers discounted rates for students, seniors, and groups. Check the official website for current opening hours and temporary closures due to events. Guided circuits, including a D-Day focused tour, enhance the visitor experience.
Interesting facts
- •The museum is built on the site of a German command bunker used during the Battle of Normandy.
- •It houses a 9/10 scale model of a Hawker Typhoon, a British WWII fighter-bomber, suspended in the main hall.
- •The entrance features a poignant inscription by local poet Paul Dorey: 'The pain broke me, the fraternity relieved me, of my wound sprang a river of freedom.'
- •The museum is part of the International Network of Museums for Peace.
- •It holds artifacts from the 'Shoah by bullets' excavated by the Yahad In Unum Foundation.
History
The idea for the Caen Memorial Museum originated in 1969 from the mayor of Caen, Jean-Marie Girault.
Construction began in 1986 on the site of the German general Wilhelm Richter's command post during the Battle of Normandy.
The museum was inaugurated on June 6, 1988, by French President François Mitterrand, with leaders from eleven countries involved in the Normandy battle present.
In 1991, a gallery dedicated to the Nobel Peace Prize was added, followed by memorial gardens honoring allied forces.
A significant expansion in 2002 introduced Cold War exhibits, inaugurated by President Jacques Chirac.
The museum's permanent exhibitions have been regularly updated since 2006 to reflect evolving perspectives on 20th-century conflicts and peace.
Place Guide
German Command Bunker1944
Located beneath the museum, this impressive bunker was the command post of General Wilhelm Richter during the Battle of Normandy. It now houses exhibits about the daily life of German soldiers, the occupation system, and German defensive lines.
Permanent Exhibition: World War II and the Battle of Normandy1988
This main exhibition explores the causes, events, and consequences of WWII, with a particular focus on the Battle of Normandy and the liberation of Caen. It includes extensive documentation, artifacts, and multimedia presentations.
Nobel Peace Prize Gallery1991
Added in 1991, this gallery honors laureates of the Nobel Peace Prize, emphasizing the museum's dedication to peace and reconciliation.
Cold War Extension2002
Opened in 2002, this wing explores the Cold War era and the ongoing quest for peace. Exhibits include neutralized warheads, military aircraft, and a segment of the Berlin Wall.
Memorial Gardens1991-2004
Three gardens dedicated respectively to American, British, and Canadian forces who participated in the liberation of France. These peaceful green spaces serve as places of remembrance and reflection.
Contact
Phone: 02 31 06 06 44
