Airborne Museum

The Airborne Museum is a special kind of war museum. Located in Sainte-Mère-Eglise, deemed one of the most decisive cities for the Normandy Landings of June 6th 1944; it is dedicated to the American paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Divisions, those who were crucial in freeing the area of the village.

Courtesy of the Airborne Museum

Throughout 4 huge buildings boasting impressive collections of all authentic material, weaponry, uniforms and vehicles, and a highly pedagogical and didactic design, visitors are able to grasp and envision the history of the paratroopers and their involvement in the D-Day. Each of these buildings has a specific theme, of course: the WACO building hosts an original WACO glider, the only one visible in its entirety in France, and narrates the American gliders’ history ; the C-47 building is home to a gigantic, beautiful C47 plane, one who actually participated in D-Day in Normandy, and tells the story of the birth of the American paratroopers, as well as the unfolding of the preparations of the DDay; as for it, the Neptune building details the events of the D Day and the Battle of Normandy. Moreover, the 4th building is a conference center, divided between a cinema room, and a space for captivating temporary exhibitions.

C47 Plane and Parachutes, Courtesy of the Airborne Museum

The whole museum is English friendly, from the staff to the panels, the audio recordings and the films. Adults and children alike are sure to enjoy the place, since everything is designed to appeal to all: children have their own paths with pedagogical books, the museum has also digital tablets for everyone, aiming at enhancing the visit and making it even more playful, immersive and interactive. The garden of the museum itself is also a sight to behold, and offers a great perspective on the church’s bell tower, where the infamous paratrooper John Steele got stuck on June 6th.

Panorama, Courtesy of the Airborne Museum

The museum is indeed one of many dedicated to World War II, but offers a refreshing point of view on the war, one that doesn’t shy away from the cruel realities of the events that took place in Normandy, and provides great insight on the particular topic of airborne troops. Finally, the place is intimately tied to the Coleville American Cemetery, where the deceased soldiers previously placed in provisory cemeteries near Sainte-Mère-Eglise were transported after the end of the war. All in all, this is a great place for history amateurs, families, and tourist groups, and it is near lots of various interesting places, the Landing Beaches obviously but also other museums and cultural places, as it lies in the heart of the typically pastoral norman “bocage”. An occasion to taste local and regional products, and enjoy wonderful landscapes and wide spaces.

: Bataille de la Fiere, Courtesy of the Airborne Museum

: The men of Operation Bunker, Courtesy of the Airborne Museum

: Operation Overlord on a big screen, Courtesy of the Airborne Museum

: Courtesy of the Airborne Museum

: Hologram room, Courtesy of the Airborne Museum

: Histopad for kids, Courtesy of the Airborne Museum

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