Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église

Museum in Bayeux

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Ttzavaras

The Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église stands as a poignant tribute to the American paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions who played a crucial role during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. Established in 1964, the museum is situated in the very town that became the first to be liberated by Allied forces in Normandy. Its location is notably significant, positioned near the church where paratrooper John Steele famously became entangled on the steeple, a moment immortalized in the film “The Longest Day.”

The museum comprises five distinct pavilions, each offering immersive exhibits that transport visitors into the experiences of the paratroopers. Among its notable displays are authentic aircraft such as the Waco CG-4 glider and the C-47 Skytrain, both instrumental during the airborne operations. Interactive installations, including the HistoPad, provide augmented reality experiences, allowing guests to delve deeper into the events of D-Day. Recent expansions have introduced exhibits focusing on wartime medicine, the local resistance, and the broader implications of the liberation.

Visitors can plan their trip to the Airborne Museum with ease, as it is open daily with varying hours depending on the season. Admission fees are structured to accommodate individuals, families, and groups, with discounts available for children and veterans. The museum’s central location in Sainte-Mère-Église makes it accessible by car, with parking facilities nearby. For those interested in World War II history, the Airborne Museum offers a comprehensive and moving exploration of the courage and sacrifices made during the Normandy invasion.

The Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bayeux!

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