Centre de la mémoire d'Oradour-sur-Glane
Interpretation centre giving access to the ruins of the martyred village of Oradour-sur-Glane, destroyed on June 10, 1944; the building is closed for works until June 2027.
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About the museum
On June 10, 1944, the population of Oradour-sur-Glane was massacred by part of the SS division “Das Reich”. The village ruins were preserved in the state they were in after the massacre and listed as a historic monument in 1946.
In 1992, the General Council of Haute-Vienne launched a project for a memorial centre, with the agreement of the national association of martyrs’ families and of the commune. The centre opened in July 1999 as a cultural interpretation facility based on historical research. It informs, guides and passes on the memory of the event.
The centre runs educational programmes, with guided tours, thematic routes and workshops for teachers and pupils, as well as research on the martyred villages of Europe and on objects found after the massacre. It holds archives, photographs, testimonies and publications.
Since September 15, 2025, the building and its exhibitions have been closed for insulation and refurbishment works and for the redesign of the permanent exhibition. Reopening is planned for June 2027. In the meantime, the martyred village remains accessible, and guided tours are offered every day from a temporary reception building in the car park.
Highlights
- Ruins of the martyred village, preserved since 1944 and listed as a historic monument in 1946
- Guided tour of 1 hour 15 minutes on the massacre of June 10, 1944 and its memory
- Interpretation centre open since 1999, with archives, media library and bookshop
- Renovation under way, with reopening of the building announced for June 2027
Permanent exhibition
- Village martyr d'Oradour-sur-Glane – The village ruins, preserved since 1944, can be visited freely or on a 1 hour 15 minute guided tour.
- Founded
- 1999
- Operated by
- Département de la Haute-Vienne
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Students & apprentices | €5Guided tour rate for a student group. |
|---|---|
| Groups (20+ people) | €7 per personGuided tours for groups of 20 people or more: adults €7, students €5. The centre welcomes adult groups of 20 to 35 people, with mandatory booking. |
| Families | €22Family package for the guided tour: 2 adults and 2 or more children. |
| Guided tour of the martyred village (1 hour 15 minutes), per person | €7Booking by phone recommended. |
| Family package for the guided tour (2 adults and 2 or more children) | €22 |
During the works, free visits to the martyred village are free during opening hours; only guided tours are paid. There are no explanatory panels in the ruins.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Animals are not allowed, except assistance animals.
Kids & families
| Family ticket | €22 · Family package for the guided tour: 2 adults and 2 or more children. |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
A family package is offered for the guided tour (2 adults and 2 or more children).
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free parking for cars and coaches, next to the reception point. An area for motorhomes is located in the village.
Access to the martyred village is via the reception point located in the car park.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Coat check: not available
A temporary bookshop is set up in the temporary reception building. The cloakroom is closed to the public for security reasons (Vigipirate plan). A defibrillator is available on site. Scooters, bicycles and roller skates are banned in the village and at the centre.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 75 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The guided tour of the martyred village lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes and covers the massacre of June 10, 1944, the context of 1944–1945, the Bordeaux trial of 1953 and Oradour’s place in collective memory. It starts from the reception point in the car park; arrive 30 minutes early. Places are limited, and tours may be cancelled in case of storms or extreme heat. Groups must book in advance, by form or by phone on weekdays outside July and August. An education service welcomes schools and universities. |
