NormandyCaen Memorial (Le Mémorial de Caen)

Built in 1988 the Caen Memorial is much more than a museum to WWII. It is a chronicle of the years 1918 to the end of WWII. Also included is the movie 'Hope' that covers the years 1950 to today. Hope covers major events of the last fifty years through images and music including the founding of the United Nations and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Visiting the Caen Memorial is a moving experience and pushes one to not only think about the past but also the future.

The Caen Memorial is divided into seven sections each with a theme. The first is 'The failure of peace' following the years 1918 to the start of WWII. Then is 'France in the dark years' with the themes occupation, resistance and repression. After this is 'World war - Total war' covering the entry of the United States and the Soviet Union in to the world war. Next is 'D-Day' followed by 'The Battle of Normandy'. Both cover the events that would lead to the liberation of Western Europe. After visiting these sections the visitor then sees the movie 'Hope' and then lastly is taken to The Nobel Peace Prizewinner's gallery. The Caen Memorial also includes an international park.

One word of warning during the tourist season the Caen Memorial can become very crowded, it is advisable to arrive early. The Caen Memorial is easily accessible from the town center or the highway by a series of well-marked signs.

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Caen Memorial - Le Mémorial de Caen

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