A bit of history...
The models of the port of Arromanches on display in the museum were created by the British company Basset Lowke in Northampton. This company specialized in model trains and ships from 1898 to 1965. During the Second World War, it was asked by the British government to reproduce the structures of the future port of Arromanches in model form. At the end of the war, Mr. Clyton, the company’s director, obtained authorization from the British War Ministry to reproduce these 1/50 scale models. After 18,000 hours’ work, four blocks measuring a total of 14 meters in length reproduced the various parts of the military port of Arromanches. Installed in the museum in July 1955, they were inaugurated on June 6 of the following year.
A real educational tool, the historical models of the port of Arromanches amaze young and old with their size and realism. They show how all the elements of the artificial harbours were transported and installed along the Normandy coast during the summer of 1944. One of the models is motorized, making it all the more real.
Accompanied by your audioguide, immerse yourself in this incredible and unique story. Testimonies from those involved at the time illustrate the story.