Visit Caen Memorial: tickets, fares, schedules

During your stay in Normandy, don’t forget to visit the Caen Memorial. Between history and vision of the future, this museum is a must!

The Caen Memorial is a historic museum of the twentieth century and its many conflicts. This emblematic monument of the city allows you to learn more about the cultural heritage of the region. Mainly oriented to the two world wars, it is a must-see for the history fairies. Nevertheless, visitors from all backgrounds will be able to enjoy its extraordinary exhibitions. Beyond a simple learning objective, the museum also focuses on some philosophical reflections. Indeed, its main theme, in addition to history, is the fragility of peace. The visit of this monument will therefore be all the more rewarding.

You would like to buy your tickets for the Caen Memorial, but would like more information? So let’s go to discover this exceptional place, which is one of the most visited of the hexagon.

History of the Caen Memorial

This particular museum was inaugurated in 1988, at the initiative of a former mayor of Caen. The first 13 stones of the building were laid in 1986. And this, at the exact location of Wilhelm Richter’s command post. This German general is one of the most famous soldiers of the Wehrmacht . During the Second World War, he led the 716th Infantry Division during the American landing. The building of such a memorial in this place was therefore extremely symbolic. More than forty years after the Allies’ victory, it was obviously a call to peace.

The Memorial was therefore built in this very figurative objective. By teaching his visitors the details of recent wars, he invites us to observe the uncertainty of peace. The Heads of State of eleven countries involved in the Battle of Normandy were present for its inauguration. Today, the museum welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Also, tourists from all over the world come to visit the Caen Memorial to admire its collections. If it focuses on European conflicts, its theme can actually affect people around the world.

Our tips to visit the Caen Memorial

Buy tickets in advance

For a pleasant visit to the Memorial, it is better to organize in advance. The first thing to do is obviously to buy his tickets for the Caen Memorial in advance, online. In this way, you can choose the type of ticket you want.

Some tickets allow access to certain specific exhibitions. Also, you can set your arrival time. And this will prevent you from having to go through the queues.

Download and use the mobile app

In order to make your visit easier, we recommend downloading the mobile app. If you own a smartphone, it will be available on the App Store of your iPhone or Android PlayStore.

• The first advantage of this system is not having to carry tickets for the Caen Memorial on its own. Indeed, after purchasing your inputs, you can easily see them from the application.
• Also, this will be your ideal guide during the discovery of the Memorial. In particular, it will give you multiple information on different exhibitions. In the same way, it will tell you which collections are not to be missed, as well as their schedules.

What to do during your visit to the Caen Memorial?

This history museum covers three floors, and includes more than a dozen permanent exhibitions. From time to time, it also welcomes some temporary collections. Thus, for a most interesting visit, here are the must-sees when you are visiting the Caen Memorial.

The main collection and the Enigma M4 machine

In the main collection of the museum, one of the objects not to be missed is the Enigma M4 machine. It is a true symbol of the spying of the twentieth century.

Created by German Arthur Scherbius in 1918, she is one of the precursors of our current computers. This coding and encryption device has enabled the transmission of many secret messages during the war. It was mainly used by Nazi cryptographers. Far from being invincible, however, it allowed the allies to discover many information about the enemy plans.

The bunker of General Richter

One of the most intriguing things in the Memorial is General Richter’s bunker. Command post during the Battle of Normandy, this underground played a decisive role in the 716th German infantry. Richter’s strategic position allowed Richter to lead operations during the landing.

Today we can discover the impressive layout of this iconic bunker.

The collection of the Battle of Normandy

The collection of the Battle of Normandy and the allied landing is one of the most important of the museum. In particular, we can discover objects of resistance, as well as many details on these decisive events of the conflict.

The exhibition also offers the screening of a film about the Battle of Normandy. It was created from German, French, American and Canadian archives. It shows, inter alia, the violence of the conflict and the bombardment of the conflict Havre .

How much does a ticket cost to the Caen Memorial?

The museum offers different rates for its visitors, depending on the type of tickets for the Memorial of Caen they are looking for.

• An entry for child, student or senior costs 17,50€.
• For adults, we have to count 20€.
• For familiesHowever, there is a reduced price. For two adults and one child, the cost of the visit is 51€.

How to book an online ticket for the Caen Memorial?

• To visit the Caen Memorial, you should book your tickets for the Caen Memorial online. For that, you just have to go to the official museum site, and access the ticketing online. Then you can choose the number of entries you want, and plan your date and time of visit. Once on site, your tickets can be validated in paper format or on your smartphone.
• In addition, tour operators offer excursion packages in which transport is also included. Prices vary between 15€ and 150€.

Are there guided tours of the Caen Memorial?

The Caen Memorial offers guided tours during school holidays . They are offered by family or individual at an additional cost. It is worth 4,50€ more for an adult, and 3€ for children. This type of visit lasts an average of 2 hours. However, it is important to think about booking them online to benefit from it.

Are there visits combined with other monuments in Caen?

This Peace Museum is in close connection with the Falaise Memorial, and the Cinema Circular Arromanches 360 . These two other monuments also focus on the history of the twentieth century and its conflicts. By buying tickets for the Caen Memorial, you can combine them with entries for these activities. We have to count 30€ to access the three museums.

You can also choose a ticket to visit the Caen Memorial, the Cinema and the City of the Sea Cherbourg.

Opening hours

• April to August: the Memorial opens every day 9h to 7h.
• September to December: He shuts down 6.30 p.m. Every night.
• In November and December, it is only possible to visit the Caen Memorial from Tuesday to Sunday.
• February to March: the museum opens 9 a.m. to 6 p.m..
• It is obviously closed on Christmas Day, as well as much of January.

How to get to the Caen Memorial?

This Peace Museum is located on Esplanade Eisenhower, north of Caen.

• From the city centre, you can reach it bus, with line 2 direction La Folie – Memorial. If you leave the station, you have to take the line 6a or 6b.
• ♪ train, you'll have to stop her Saint-Lazare train station. Then you go to one of the buses mentioned to visit the Caen Memorial.
• You can obviously access the museum in car, following the A13 motorway from Paris. Starting from Rennes, you will have to opt for the A84, and take exit 7 of the North device.

Where to park near the Caen Memorial?

As it is located in the middle of a hill, the Memorial has no parking dedicated to its visitors.

• However, there is parking on Amiral Mountbatten Avenue.
• If it’s full, you can go to a second parking lot on Alfred Kastler Street.

These two sites have the advantage of being free , and to be close to visiting the Caen Memorial.

Where to stay near the Caen Memorial?

Would you like to stay on site before visiting the Caen Memorial? Then you can opt for housing close to it. Many Airbnb and hotels are located close to the monument, north of the Colline aux Oiseaux. The best way to select a low price is to use a Compare hotels . However, you might also choose to stay in other areas of the Norman capital. Because the site is easily accessible by public transport, you will have no difficulty joining it.

So, what are you waiting for to visit the Caen Memorial?