(NOTE: The photograph of the famous statue that was part of a 2015 exhibition still holds a special place in my heart, even though the statue itself is no longer there.).
The Mémorial de Caen, also known as the Caen Memorial Museum or "Le Mémorial," is a comprehensive museum and war memorial located in Caen, Normandy, France. It is dedicated to the history of the 20th century, with a particular focus on World War II.
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The museum was officially opened on June 6, 1988, by the French President François Mitterrand, on the 44th anniversary of D-Day. The design of the museum itself is rather unique—it is built on top of an old bunker and incorporates parts of it into the museum's structure.
The museum's exhibitions cover the major events leading up to the war, the war itself, and the aftermath. It has sections on the rise of fascism and Nazism in Europe, the Holocaust, the invasion of Normandy (D-Day), and the Cold War, among other topics.
The museum also pays particular attention to the Battle of Caen, which was a crucial battle during the Normandy invasion. It includes an exhibit on Nobel Peace Prize winners and has a large section dedicated to journalism.
As well as the permanent exhibits, the museum also houses a cinema, an auditorium for lectures and debates, temporary exhibitions, educational spaces, and extensive gardens known as the American Garden and the Canadian Garden, in honor of the two countries' efforts on D-Day.
Conclusion
The Mémorial de Caen stands as a place of reflection on war, peace, and history. It is an incredibly detailed and educational space, which encourages its visitors to think critically about the cost of conflict and the importance of maintaining peace. This is a must-visit for all, but especially for WWII buffs.