Airborne Museum, Sainte-Mère-Église, France

The Airborne Museum (Musée Airborne) is dedicated to the memory of the troops of 82nd Airborne Division and 101st Airborne Division who landed in Normandy, by parachute or glider, on the night of 5–6 June 1944 hours before the Allied landings in Normandy. Its collections have been donated by the townspeople and thanks to gifts from the veterans of 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions.It was founded in 1962 and on 6 June that year its first stone was laid by General Gavin, who had liberated the town of Sainte-Mère-Église.

Its first building, built to look like a parachute from the air, was opened on 6 June 1964 (the twentieth anniversary of D-Day) and houses a WACO glider. Its second building opened in 1984, built to look like a billowing parachute and housing a Douglas C-47 Skytrain, one of the aircraft which towed gliders to Sainte-Mère-Église. Its third building is due to open in 2014 and will house (among other things) a reconnaissance kit.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Sam G (2 months ago)
Impressive display and information about gliders, paratroopers and whole other side of Normandie invasion (beach landing is much known but not this). Keep at least 2 hours aside. Take history tablet.

Michelle PN (2 months ago)
While being totally aware that this museum has the sole objective to glorify the landing of US American paratroopers, I expected a little more attention to detail (i.e. avoid blatant spelling mistakes) and less repetition content wise. The overall make up however, was quite impressive and visual.

Cláudia Inês Pereira (7 months ago)
One of the best museums about D-day and WWII. Great animations, amazing interactivity with the tablet and the exhibition. A lot of information and very educational! A must visit if you’re deciding which museum to visit among the huge variety that exists. Superb money for value

Wim Tormans (11 months ago)
Lovely museum. You learn a lot. Even the kids learn a lot. The histopads are very nice and in your own language.

julian Weijers (11 months ago)
Informative museum. Also the tablet is a fun element. Would recommend going here. For to small children I wouldn't go here.

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