Mémorial de Caen

Built over the German command bunker that once directed defences against the Normandy landings, the Mémorial de Caen tells the story of the twentieth century's wars from a city that was largely destroyed in the summer of 1944. A deep crack splits the stone facade, a symbol of Caen's destruction and its liberation.

Inside, the main exhibitions trace the road to the Second World War, life under occupation, the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy, then follow events into the Cold War. Documents, film, personal objects and military equipment carry the narrative. Visitors can also go down into the preserved bunker. Outside, memorial gardens honour the Allied nations whose soldiers fought in Normandy.

Opened in 1988 as a museum for peace, the memorial draws more than half a million visitors a year. Its scope suits anyone wanting context before or after seeing the landing beaches. Visitors should allow at least half a day to cover it properly.