The Landing Museum at Arromanches relates one of the decisive events of the Second World War: the arrival of Allied troops to liberate France from German occupation. It is located in Arromanches-les-Bains, where the Allies built an artificial port to supply the troops engaged in the Battle of Normandy.
The story of D-Day at Arromanches
Since the armistice of June 22, 1940, France has been under military occupation by Nazi Germany. Despite the heroism of the Resistance, the occupation intensified and by early 1944 the whole country was under German domination.
Since 1941, the United States and its friendly countries have been planning to open a front in Western Europe to trap Germany between their troops and those of the Soviet Union. Of the potential landing sites, Normandy and the Pas-de-Calais were selected. While the Germans reinforced their defenses at Pas-de-Calais, the Allies planned a landing in Normandy.
Arromanches-les-Bains was chosen as the site for an artificial harbor to supply the bridgehead with weapons, munitions, foodstuffs and various materials. During its 100 days of operation, the port, christened “Mulberry”, was able to transport 2.5 million men, 500,000 vehicles and 4 million tons of equipment.
The Normandy landings, which took place on June 6, 1944, were decisive for the liberation of France and the surrender of Germany.
A visit to the Landing Museum
To prepare for your visit to the D-Day Landing Museum at Arromanches, we recommend that you stay at the Utah Beach campsite in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont. This 3-star campsiteis just 2 minutes from another museum, the Utah Beach Museum. From here, you can follow the coastline to visit the two museums and the landing beaches one by one.
The Museum at Arromanches-les-Bains presents the various phases of the D-Day landings, including the construction of the artificial harbour. Its construction and operation are shown and explained through 3D animations, animated models, a diorama and an archive film.
This is a new museum, operational since April 2023. It is much more immersive with its modernized scenography. You can explore it on an audio tour available in 10 languages. The old museum, inaugurated on June 5, 1954, has been demolished.
Each support plays a specific role in highlighting the importance of this prefabricated port, both in terms of the logistical effort required and its impact on Allied military strategy.
Photos, weapons and uniforms are on display in rooms dedicated to each country (Canada, USA, UK). From the museum’s bay window, you can admire the remains of the port.
By the end of the tour, visitors will know everything about the Mulberry port, from its design to its operation, including the transport of prefabricated elements from England.
The importance of memory and transmission
The Second World War was a deadly and destructive conflict. The Normandy landings were a key event in bringing it to an end. In this sense, the Landing Museum shows future generations what Man is capable of achieving to end a war.
The port of Arromanches ceased operations on November 19, 1944, but its contribution to peace continues to be recounted through the museum and the special events it organizes. Creating this museum is a duty to remember, and visiting it is a civic duty.
Information, prices, opening hours
The Musée du Débarquement is located at Place du 6 juin, 14117 Arromanches-les-Bains, an hour’s drive from the Utah Beach campsite. It is at the center of the 6 D-Day landing sites : Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc and Utah Beach to the west; Juno Beach, Gold Beach and Sword Beach to the east.
Prices start at €8.20 for children and €12.70 for adults. Unless otherwise indicated, it is open from 9am to 7pm during May, June, July and August, and from 9am to 5.30pm the rest of the year.
This immersive experience plunges you into the history of mankind. Round off your visit with the D-Day Museum at Utah Beach, which recounts the events of D-Day, from preparation to success.