The largest museum in Normandy related to the Second World War, this massive site on the north west outskirts of Caen was built on top of a German command bunker tunnelled into the side of a limestone quarry.
You can still visit the HQ bunker and see hundreds of exhibits along its 70m length, but this is only a fraction of what can be seen inside the main building where thousands of items large, small, and fascinating are on display, each well presented, well lit, and with educational displays and contextual maps.
The multiple exhibition halls take you on a journey from the dark days of political unrest in Europe of the 1930s to the start of war, giving you insight into life during the German occupation, the resistance, Normandy landings, the battle of Normandy, the Allied destruction of Caen, the liberation, and its aftermath, including a large section on the Cold War.
The Memorial de Caen is perhaps the most comprehensive learning experience for anyone wanting to know more about the war and its impacts on the World and resonates with all ages and levels of knowledge. To view it all properly you’re going to need at least four hours, if not more, and many people spend a full day there!
There are several memorial gardens and some unusual anti-war sculptures outside while facilities inside include two restaurants and an extensive book/gift shop. It’s open almost every day of the year but does get busy during the summer months, especially around D-Day anniversary in June.
Our simple advice is to book a day off and go and spend it at the Memorial de Caen Museum.