Opening of the new D-Day Museum in Arromanches

The first museum built on the very site of the British artificial port, to commemorate D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, has been entirely rebuilt and opened to the public on 1^st April 2023. 

A new location for a historic museum

The very first museum designed to commemorate 6 June 1944 and the Battle of Normandy, the D-Day Museum opened in Arromanches back in 1954, just nine years after the end of WWII. Built opposite the still visible remains of the Mulberry artificial harbour, and inaugurated by French President René Coty, the museum told the story of the Allied forces’ arrival, known as Operation Overlord, and described how Arromanches harbour worked.

This museum remained open for almost seventy years. As time went by, the building proved too small for its purpose and unwieldy for modern museum exhibits and programmes, which led to the decision to rebuild and expand the museum. Fortunately, a new site was found right opposite the former building, and in 2020, work began on the construction of the new ‘Musée du Débarquement’. After thirty months of unrelenting work, the beautiful new building opened its doors to the public on Saturday 1st April 2023.

At the heart of the D-Day Landing Beaches

The new D-Day Museum is located on Arromanches’ seafront, the geographical center of the D-Day Landing Beaches. It is located at the exact point where the Allies built, from June 7, 1944 onwards, one of the two artificial ports used for supplying the troops engaged in the Battle of Normandy. Indeed, it was on the beach of Arromanches that, during the Invasion of Normandy immediately after D-Day, the Allies established the artificial temporary ‘Mulberry’ harbour to allow the unloading of heavy equipment without waiting for the conquest of deep water ports such as Le Havre or Cherbourg. This masterpiece of engineering was carried over the sea in pieces from Britain and played a key role in victory in Europe. From the large and bright windows of the museum, you can enjoy views of the sandy beach and the remains of the artificial harbour itself.

Step into History…

In its brand-new 1200 m2 setting, the museum features several exhibits on the planning and execution of the D-Day Landings, as well as the aftermath of the battle. The museum also has a section on the role of technology in the battle, which includes a replica of the Mulberry Harbour. Many weapons, tools, accessories and uniforms are exhibited, along with life-size models of soldiers and military vehicles. Although the museum focuses on war and battle, it can be visited with children and is a special place for remembrance and reflection.

Arromanches and beyond

Centrally-located on the coast, Arromanches is the perfect base for exploring the D-Day Landing Beaches and the war cemeteries. On the clifftops of the town, don’t miss the famous 360° circular cinema, which now screens a powerful new movie. From Arromanches, you can also easily get to the beautiful town of Bayeux, which was the first town to be liberated on D-Day. It is home to one of France’s most beautiful cathedrals and to the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry.

80th Anniversary of D-Day

Normandy will forever be marked by the D-Day Landings that led to the liberation of France and Europe. 2024 will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, and with it, a momentous occasion to celebrate peace, liberty, and reconciliation. A rich and unprecedented programme of events will be put together to bring the memory of this tragic period of world history to life, all while emphasizing the spirit of hope.