Musée France 40 Véhicules

About the museum

The museum opened its doors on June 25, 2021 in Fismes, in the Marne. It grew out of a family project carried by the France 40 Véhicules association, which has for years worked to preserve French military and technical heritage. According to the museum, all work on the collection, the vehicles and the building was financed from the association’s own funds, without grants.

The museum occupies the last surviving building of the new sugar factory of Fismes, built in 1872 and described at the time as the largest sugar factory in Europe. The collection was assembled over more than forty years. It brings together thousands of Second World War objects displayed in cases, some twenty vehicles, tanks and guns, and more than 120 mannequins in period costume who animate reconstructed scenes. A section devoted to the First World War (“partie 14/18”) is announced as open on the museum’s website homepage.

Highlights

• Some twenty vehicles, tanks and guns
• Thousands of Second World War objects in display cases
• More than 120 mannequins in period costume in reconstructed scenes
• Last surviving building of the Fismes new sugar factory (1872)
• Section devoted to the First World War

Permanent exhibition

• Collection permanente France 40 Véhicules – Display cases of Second World War objects, some twenty vehicles, tanks and guns, and more than 120 mannequins in period costume.

Founded

2021

Operated by

Association France 40 Véhicules

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 museum describes itself as fully accessible by wheelchair.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at 7 Rue de la Sucrerie in Fismes, opposite a supermarket; the website gives no further directions.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available

Toilets and a small bar on site. There is no restaurant in the museum, but a supermarket opposite sells picnic supplies; the museum welcomes picnics and provides a barbecue and a pizza oven.

Events & venue rental

The museum rents out its vehicles and set pieces for film shoots (“Cinema” page), but does not offer room hire.

Plan your visit