Utah Beach Museum

Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, France

Utah Beach was the successful landing place of a number of American Divisions on 6th June 1944, and from here they pushed inland to the Carantan peninsula to meet up with US Airborne forces around St Mere Eglise. Between D Day and 1st November 1944 some 836,000 men and 220,000 vehicles came ashore here. The beach also marks the point of 'Liberty Way' which runs from Normandy to Bastogne in Belgium, and is marked by a memorial stone every kilometer - the 00 Kilometer stone being here (with another in St Mere Eglise).

The Utah Beach Museum was originally opened in the 1960s and then renovated for the 50th Anniversary of D Day in 1994. It tells the story of the American landings at Utah and also the Airborne operations around St Mere Eglise. The museum has many rare vehicles, weapons, photographs and veterans artifacts. There is a good 1/35th scale model of the landings, and a film show. There is also a book shop.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1960
Category: Museums in France

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Tom Doel (4 months ago)
My visit was during a battlefield tour, which meant we didn't have time to go to the museum itself, but outside, it has a Sherman tank a Higgins boat you can walk on a cafe statues and memorials plus easy access to the beach. I found the door to the bunker, which wasn't open, but their is a plaque worth reading.Also, look for the location circles telling you how far places are from the location. We'll worth a visit even if you don't go to the museum.
Joanne Jarman (4 months ago)
Great museum, lots of info and an informative movie. The exhibits are interesting to read.
Miss Sara (6 months ago)
If you like history the trip to Normandy is a full day but it is totally worth it. I used city Wonders They are great !!!!
Celeita Kramer (7 months ago)
Special place with so much history. Nice collection, be sure to walk the beach and around the grounds of the museum. Never forget the price paid for liberty
Kevin W (10 months ago)
Excellent museum! Very nice displays, well explained, informative, interesting, etc. All placards in French & English. Lighting is good on most of the displays. One of the favorites so far this trip. Highly recommended!
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Kakesbeck Castle

Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.