Overlord Museum
Museum of the Battle of Normandy near Omaha Beach: more than 10,000 items, including about forty vehicles, in reconstructed scenes.
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About the museum
The museum is built on the collection of Michel Leloup. In 1948 he used war wrecks and surplus Allied equipment for forestry work. In 1971 he found a German half-track similar to one he had once used, which launched a collection he would enrich for more than forty years. Part of it was first shown in 1987 in a former cheese dairy in Falaise.
The land near Omaha Beach was bought in 2008 and the museum was built in 2012, with about 1,400 m² of exhibition space. It opened on June 5, 2013, in the presence of veterans. In 2019, Nicolas Leloup added 400 m² of exhibition space, a gallery honoring the veterans, an educational room and a larger shop; the 400 m² Overlord Hall Expo, designed for events and temporary exhibitions, opened in 2025.
The route presents about 10,000 items, including around forty vehicles, tanks and guns, in reconstructed scenes across about 2,200 m². It traces the preparations, airborne operations, German defenses, the landings, logistics, the battles around Caen, the Falaise Pocket, the crossing of the Seine, the air war and the liberation of Paris. Outside, visitors see tanks, a Bailey bridge and two bunkers, among other things.
Highlights
- More than 10,000 items and about forty vehicles, tanks and guns
- Life-size scenes of the armies engaged in the Battle of Normandy
- Strabokran, a recovery vehicle of which only two examples survive in perfect condition
- Bailey bridge, American tanks, German 8.8 cm gun and two bunkers outside
- Gallery honoring the veterans
Permanent exhibitions
- Parcours de la bataille de Normandie – Reconstructed scenes of the preparations, German defenses, landings, the battles of Caen and the Falaise Pocket, through to the liberation of Paris.
- Hommage aux vétérans – Portrait gallery honoring the veterans, shown towards the end of the route.
- Founded
- 2013
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9.90 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7.50Children aged 7 to 15, military personnel, teachers, students and people with disabilities, on proof |
| Children & teens | €7.50free up to age 6 · Reduced rate for children aged 7 to 15; full price from age 16. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €7.50On proof. |
| Students & apprentices | €7.50On proof. |
2026 rates. From 2027: full price €10.90, reduced rate €7.50; a preferential rate of €9.90 applies to holders of a partner placemat, the Explore Normandy Pass, the CEZAM card or partner offers. Free for children under 7, military personnel in uniform, veterans, museum staff and tour guides and interpreters, on proof. Payment in cash, by check or by bank card.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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 outdoor area is presented as accessible to all; the website gives no information on access to the indoor galleries.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
The museum presents history to both adults and children; the website offers an educational area for primary and secondary school pupils.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Colleville-sur-Mer/Musée Overlord
Bus line 120 (formerly line 70), stop Colleville-sur-Mer/Musée Overlord. Nearest train station: Bayeux, about 20 minutes away.
The museum is about 500 m from the American cemetery and Omaha Beach. Driving distances: Bayeux 20 km, Caen 50 km, Cherbourg 80 km. Cycling access via EuroVelo 4 (La Vélomaritime).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop of more than 250 m² (books, COBI models, regional products, souvenirs, clothing) and the “Flying Aces” aviation fashion shop; online shop.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The Overlord Hall Expo (400 m²) hosts events and temporary exhibitions; space rental is mentioned on the website.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Allow one to one and a half hours. The route is chronological, from the context of the war to the liberation of Paris, with an interactive map to help you prepare. There are dedicated pages for groups, travel agencies and schools, with educational booklets. |
