Musée Dunkerque 1940 – Opération Dynamo
Museum on the Battle of Dunkerque and Operation Dynamo (May–June 1940), housed in the casemates of Bastion 32, the former headquarters.
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About the museum
The museum occupies the casemates of Bastion 32, built in 1874 to strengthen coastal defences. During the Battle of Dunkerque, the site served as the headquarters of the French and Allied forces: land defence orders were issued there and sea evacuations were coordinated.
Operation Dynamo was the largest military evacuation in history: in nine days, 338,226 soldiers, including 125,000 French, were transported to England. The museum tells their story, but also that of the civilians of Dunkerque, of the German occupiers and of the Czech liberators of 1945.
Renovated and extended in 2017, the museum is run by the site team and by volunteers of the association Mémorial du Souvenir. Across about 900 m², it presents period objects, weapons, vehicles, uniforms, photographs and maps, as well as dioramas that are enriched every year.
Highlights
- Casemates of Bastion 32, former defence headquarters of Dunkerque
- Account of Operation Dynamo, from its origins to its outcome
- Display cases of period objects, weapons, vehicles and uniforms
- Dioramas renewed every year
- Shop accessible without visiting the museum
Permanent exhibition
- L'opération Dynamo et la bataille de Dunkerque – Trail across about 900 m² covering the origins, course and outcome of the May–June 1940 evacuation, with dioramas and period objects.
- Operated by
- Association Mémorial du Souvenir
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Students, young people aged 12 to 18, serving military personnel, veterans, people with disabilities and teachers; proof may be requested. |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 11 · Free for children under 12 accompanied by an adult; reduced rate from 12 to 18. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €5Reduced rate for people with disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €5 |
| Groups (11+ people) | €7 per personGroups of more than 10 adults on a self-guided visit. |
| Duo ticket | €15 |
| Combined ticket with the Musée maritime et portuaire (closed on Tuesdays) | €10 |
| School group (per pupil) | €3One companion free per 10 pupils |
| Guided group visit (maximum 20 people, by reservation) | €60 |
Free admission for the press.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The tourist office listing mentions access for people with disabilities, adapted toilets and the “Tourisme et handicap” label.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Car and coach parking, signposted by the tourist office.
The museum is located in the curtain walls of Bastion 32, rue des Chantiers de France, in Dunkerque.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The shop can be accessed without visiting the museum.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The average visit lasts one to one and a half hours. Guided tours are by reservation only, for groups of up to 20 people, and an educational file is available. Animals are not allowed. |
