The Overlord Museum is located in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, and is one of the key museums dedicated to the history of the D-Day landings during World War II. Positioned near the famous Omaha Beach — one of the five landing beaches of the Normandy Invasion — the museum focuses on the military operations of D-Day, the Battle of Normandy, and the broader Allied efforts to liberate France from German occupation.
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Overlord Museum
Lotissement Omaha Center
14710 Colleville-sur-Mer
Daily
March – October – November – December 10:00 – 17:30
April – May – September 10:00 – 18:30
June – July – August 09:30 -19:00
Closed 24th, 25th and 31st December
Admission fee
Aircraft collection
| F-BFLR/NJ169 | Taylorcraft Auster J/1N |
Key Highlights:
1. Focus on D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
- The Overlord Museum offers an in-depth look at the planning, execution, and aftermath of D-Day (June 6, 1944), the pivotal Allied invasion of Normandy that marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe.
- Exhibits focus on the American forces landing on Omaha Beach, but the museum also covers the contributions of other Allied forces, including the British, Canadians, and Free French.
2. Exhibits and Artifacts
The Overlord Museum houses an extensive collection of authentic military equipment, uniforms, and personal items from the era:
- Military Vehicles and Tanks: A variety of World War II-era vehicles, including tanks, jeeps, and amphibious landing craft (e.g., LCTs, DD tanks).
- Weapons and Gear: A wide array of small arms, rifles, machine guns, and personal gear used by soldiers during the invasion.
- Historical Artifacts: Items like uniforms, maps, documents, and letters provide a personal connection to the soldiers who fought in the campaign.
- Models and Dioramas: Detailed dioramas and models demonstrate key moments from the landings, the battles for the beaches, and the subsequent liberation of the region.
3. Interactive and Educational Displays
- Multimedia Presentations: The Overlord Museum features audio-visual displays, including films and interviews with veterans, to help visitors understand the broader context of the D-Day operation and the intense fighting that followed.
- First-Hand Accounts: Many exhibits include personal testimonies from veterans, survivors, and those involved in the planning and execution of D-Day, bringing a deeply human element to the museum’s presentation.
4. Location and Proximity to Historic Sites
- The Overlord Museum is located near Omaha Beach, which was one of the bloodiest landing sites during D-Day. The site is home to the American Cemetery at Normandy, a poignant memorial to the thousands of American soldiers who lost their lives during the invasion and subsequent fighting.
- Visitors to the Overlord Museum can easily combine their trip with a visit to other important sites in the Normandy Invasion area, including Utah Beach Museum, Juno Beach Centre, and Pointe du Hoc.
5. Visitor Experience
- The Overlord Museum is designed to be educational for all ages, offering an accessible and engaging experience for visitors with varying levels of familiarity with World War II history.
- The museum is equipped with facilities for families, groups, and school trips, with guides available to explain the history of the invasion.
- Gift Shop: A museum shop offers books, memorabilia, and educational materials related to D-Day and the Normandy Campaign.
6. Commemorating the Sacrifice
- The museum plays a vital role in remembering and honoring the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers who fought in the D-Day landings and the subsequent Battle of Normandy. It provides a historical context for understanding the cost of war and the path to peace.
In Summary:
The Overlord Museum in Colleville-sur-Mer is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. Through its impressive collection of historical artifacts, military vehicles, and personal stories, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the Allied invasion of France and the courage of those who participated in it. Its proximity to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery makes it a central part of the Normandy invasion memorial trail.
Photo Overlord Museum