10 Reasons to Visit the Airborne Museum of Sainte-Mère-Eglise

In the heart of Sainte-Mère-Église, in Normandy, in front of the bell tower on which the parachutist John Steele was hung, the Airborne Museum explores the events of the D-Day beach landings, from the inception of the operation to winning the battle for freedom.  

1. The first Second World War museum to have been established in Normandy

The museum was inaugurated in 1964, and has 60 years of existence, offering invaluable expertise and a very rich collection. 

2. Located on real historical sites…

The museum is based in La Haule Park, where American paratroopers landed on the night of June 5-6, and near where one of the temporary cemeteries was built to temporarily house the remains of fallen American soldiers. in the zone. 

3. …and within a stunning natural park

 Visitors can appreciate the landscape reminiscent of the traditional Normandy bocage between two buildings, and admire the different installations present in the park. 

4. The only museum in Normandy to deal specifically with the role of American paratroopers in WWI…

The village of Sainte-Mère-Eglise was liberated by American paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Division. The museum makes a point of explaining their origin and involvement and pays homage to them. 

5. …with an authentic C-47 glider and aircraft on display!

The role of the C-47 plane was both to drop the paratroopers, and to allow the take-off of the gliders, intended to supply the paratroopers on the ground. 

6. Great value for your ticket

For an affordable price (€9.90 per adult), visitors have access to 4 different buildings, including a cinema, for a visit of approximately 1h30-2h. 

7. Newly renovated spaces

A new works project aims, for June 2024, for the construction of a 5th building, the renovation of the oldest museum building, and the total redevelopment of the park. 

8. Exciting new ways to visit the museum

Visitors are provided with a digital tablet when they enter the museum, which enhances their visit with anecdotes of all kinds, and can also appreciate the various multimedia supports (archive films, parachute jump simulators, flight simulator …) set up by the mediation team. 

9. Understand the story behind the famous parachutist dummy hanging from the steeple of the village church

Almost everyone knows this famous model, but few know its true story, and in what context it fits. Discover the story behind it! 

10. A visitors’ experience that is constantly being renewed

The visit to the museum’s storage was launched in April 2023 and will be followed by other new features; events (conferences, film screenings, etc.) are organized every month; the June 6 commemorations are a major event every year; summer activities are organized in the park. 

For more information visit airborne-museum.org