CAEN MEMORIAL

Welcome to the Mémorial de Caen, one of Normandy’s must-see memorial sites! This building, which opened its doors 35 years ago, is much more than just a museum. It’s a real journey through time, an immersive dive into the heart of history.

Inside, the walls are painted with a captivating historical panorama, stretching from 1918 to the present day. Although the Second World War occupies a central place, the Memorial broadens its scope to include the Cold War, while provoking profound reflection on peace and human rights. An informed visitor’s tip: allow at least half a day to explore all the riches of this place steeped in memory. And be prepared, as some areas can be emotionally overwhelming, depending on your personal history. A visit to the Memorial is a moving experience.

The year 2024 will of course focus on the ^80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy! The programme, redesigned in collaboration with local companies and the Memorial’s scientific team, promises a more global vision of the Second World War.

Among the latest stagings, let yourself be transported by "Britain Alone Against Hitler", an immersive experience in a London Underground corridor. Also explore the new "Resistance" section, offering 36 metres of history to shed light on the plural reality of resistance around the world. The area dedicated to the Nuremberg Trials has also been redesigned, expanding from 7 to around 25 seats, offering greater comfort for visitors at the end of the tour.

From May 2024, don’t miss the exhibition "Dawn of the American Century, 1919-1944". Immerse yourself in the life of the generation of GIs who landed on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Thanks to the cooperation between the Memorial and American museums, from Hollywood studios to the Chaplin Museum, you can discover, through pieces of life and objects, the unfolding of this period and its major currents of thought. This is definitely the must-see exhibition of the year! And that’s not all: a dynamic cycle of conferences and screenings is planned throughout the year, with fascinating themes such as the Occupation, music, wartime cinema, and even Hollywood versus Hitler. All these novelties have an educational objective, a mission of transmission aimed at a wide audience, especially young people. So, are you ready for an emotional experience at the heart of history at the Caen Memorial?