The Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, Normandy, is one of the most prominent museums dedicated to the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944. It is located directly on Utah Beach, one of the five landing beaches used by Allied forces during Operation Overlord. This museum provides a comprehensive look at the planning, execution, and outcomes of the D-Day invasion, with a particular focus on the American forces who landed at Utah Beach.
Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach
+33 2 33 71 53 35
Fax +33 2 33 71 92 36
October 1 – May 31
- Daily 10:00 – 18:00
June 1 – September 30
- Daily 10:00 – 18:00
December
- closed 1 – 25 December
- open 26 – 31 December 10:00 – 18:00 except 31 10:00 – 16:00
Admission fee
Gift shop
Aircraft collection
| 44-68219 as 41-31576/AN-Z | Martin B-26G Marauder |
The Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, Normandy, is one of the most prominent museums dedicated to the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944. It is located directly on Utah Beach, one of the five landing beaches used by Allied forces during Operation Overlord. This museum provides a comprehensive look at the planning, execution, and outcomes of the D-Day invasion, with a particular focus on the American forces who landed at Utah Beach.”
Photos Wouter Roerdink
Exhibits
- Landing Craft and Vehicles:
- The Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach boasts an original Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel (LCVP), famously known as a “Higgins boat,” used to transport troops and equipment onto the beaches.
- Military vehicles, including jeeps, tanks, and artillery used during the landings, are on display.
- Aircraft:
- A restored Martin B-26 Marauder bomber, nicknamed Dinah Might, is one of the standout exhibits. Actual 44-68219. Marauder participated in operation “Overlord”, the allied landing in Normandy on June 6th, 1944, by bombing enemy positions before the actual landings. The displayed B-26 did not fly in combat though but was based in France as of 1945. It later went to Air France and then the museum at Le Bourget where it was displayed in French Air Force colors. Now painted as a D-Day aircraft.
- Historical Artifacts:
- Personal items of soldiers, weapons, uniforms, maps, and photographs provide an intimate look at the experiences of those involved.
- Archival material detailing the preparations for D-Day, including maps and documents related to the invasion.
- Multimedia and Dioramas:
- The Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach features immersive dioramas and multimedia presentations that reconstruct the events of D-Day.
- A 12-minute film titled Victory in the Sand combines archival footage and testimonies to narrate the story of the Utah Beach landings.
- Commemoration of American Forces:
- Exhibits honor the 4th Infantry Division and other units that landed at Utah Beach, highlighting their bravery and sacrifice.
The Museum’s Mission
The Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach’s motto is “From Utah to Victory,” reflecting its mission to honor the soldiers who fought for liberation and to educate future generations about the importance of this historic day. Its collection and narrative extend beyond Utah Beach to encompass the broader Normandy campaign.
Location and Surroundings
Utah Beach
- The Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach is situated steps from the beach itself, allowing visitors to walk the sands where the landings occurred.
- Nearby, memorials such as the Monument to the 4th Infantry Division and the Utah Beach Landing Monument pay tribute to the soldiers who fought here.
Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
- This historic village was one of the first to be liberated during D-Day and retains many sites of historical interest, including the local church and war memorials.
Nearby Attractions
- Pointe du Hoc:
- A short drive from Utah Beach, this site features dramatic cliffs scaled by U.S. Army Rangers during D-Day.
- Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église:
- Focused on the paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, just a few miles inland.
- Omaha Beach:
- Another D-Day landing site with its own museum and American Cemetery.
Photo Rob Vogelaar