Mémorial de Caen

Caen, France

The Mémorial de Caen is a museum and war memorial in Caen, commemorating the Second World War and the Battle for Caen. The building and grounds are located in the northern suburbs of the city of Caen on the site of an old blockhouse. The architect was Jacques Millet and the original curator was Yves Degraine.

The memorial is dedicated to the history of violence and intensive, outstanding conflict in the 20th Century and particularly World War II. The museum was officially opened on 6 June 1988 (the 44th anniversary of D day) by the French President François Mitterrand. The original building deals primarily with World War II looking at the causes and course of the conflict.

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Details

Founded: 1989
Category: Museums in France

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Stephen G (6 months ago)
Very moving museum. If you want to learn a large amount of information about WW2 then this is the place. The exhibits are set up In logical order and make things very clear. Beware the Holocaust exit areas are quite disturbing. Not for kids under 16.
Joan Carles Carbí (6 months ago)
Beautiful museum. You need to visit it if you are around Caen. Could take you almost three hours to visit it fully (if you stop, observe and read all sections). Great visit. Includes a big souvenir store and a restaurant.
Colin Browne (6 months ago)
Overall a fairly good museum but on balance it has more photo and video than actual exhibits. Visited on a hot day and the first part of the museum was really warm. The rest of the museum seemed to have air conditioning and was comfortable. Maybe that was because it covered the Cold War!! Free parking nearby
Ajda Cvelbar (8 months ago)
One of the best museums I've ever been to. A short and concise presentation of the events leading up to World War 2, interesting and very vivid photos and videos from the battlefields, a heart-wrenching section that described the persecution of the Jews. A museum that leaves you speechless and sick to your stomach because of all the horrors that happened back then. The presentation of D-day events is also excellent, offering an excellent base for visiting these beaches in Normandy. Thank you for this outstanding exhibition - in memory and an important reminder!?️
AndyundSarah (9 months ago)
Impressive and disturbing exhibitions. Such a dark charter of our history. Time to learn from it! The entrance fee is quite expentsive, but its worth it. There are plenty toilets spread throughout the building. You can visit the exhibition with a wheelchair. Even the bunker ist accessible with a lift. Disabled visitors get in for free.
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