
Musée Mémoire 39-45 Calais
Explore WWII history within an authentic German bunker in Calais, featuring personal stories and artifacts that bring the past to life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection

Musée Mémoire 39-45 Calais
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore WWII history within an authentic German bunker in Calais, featuring personal stories and artifacts that bring the past to life.
"A chilling and moving museum experience within an actual WWII bunker, highly recommended."

🗣️ Use Translation Apps
Many descriptions aren't in English. Use your phone's camera translation for a richer understanding.
🎧 Download Audio Guide
The audio guide is highly recommended for context, though Wi-Fi can be spotty in the bunker.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Bunker Atmosphere
Throughout the museum
Experience history within the chilling confines of a WWII German bunker, complete with thick walls and original layout.

Personal Stories & Artifacts
Various exhibit rooms
Discover moving personal accounts, letters, newspapers, and everyday items that bring the war experience to life.

WWII Military Exhibits
Armoury and display areas
See a range of authentic weapons, uniforms, detailed models, and even Spitfire Merlin engines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bunker Setting
Enhance Your Understanding
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Use Translation Apps
Many descriptions aren't in English. Use your phone's camera translation for a richer understanding.
🎧 Download Audio Guide
The audio guide is highly recommended for context, though Wi-Fi can be spotty in the bunker.
📍 Hidden Gem Location
It's tucked away in the park opposite the town hall, easy to miss but worth finding.
💰 Affordable Entry
The museum offers great value for its price, making it an accessible historical experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Use Translation Apps
Many descriptions aren't in English. Use your phone's camera translation for a richer understanding.
🎧 Download Audio Guide
The audio guide is highly recommended for context, though Wi-Fi can be spotty in the bunker.
📍 Hidden Gem Location
It's tucked away in the park opposite the town hall, easy to miss but worth finding.
💰 Affordable Entry
The museum offers great value for its price, making it an accessible historical experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Musée Mémoire 39-45 Calais to be a moving and authentic experience, largely due to its setting within a WWII German bunker and its collection of personal artifacts. While some wish for more English descriptions, the reasonable price and the immersive atmosphere make it a highly recommended stop for history enthusiasts.
"Great museum, individual rooms cover separate topics. Many authentic items displayed to portray life in the bunker, for example the armoury contained many weapons and tools to repair. Would have given 5 stars but not everything was in English. Would recommend if you have an interest and it's priced reasonably."
alex johnson
"Small, interesting World War 2 museum that has some super interesting exhibits about the war in and around Calais. The exhibits range from photos to uniforms, items of daily lives and weapons to very detailed models and dioramas. The setting in a German underground bunker is chilling and very effective for the excellent flow of the exhibit. The audio guide was very good, highly recommend using it! For me personally it could have been even a bit more detailed because as a historian it wasn’t all new for me, plus the women deserved more than one room and I’d have love to hear their stories in translation as well. The museum staff was multilingual and also very helpful. Definitely stop by if you are in Calais."
Ina Steinbach
"The Musée Mémoire 39-45 is a really interesting and moving museum, but what makes it special is not its collections of weapons, uniforms, aircraft engines or models – almost every military museum has those. It’s the official notices (posters), the newspapers, the printed records, the stories and the photographs that bring to life the experiences of those who lived here during the war.
There is an audioguide app, but I struggled to get it working on my phone, and ofc in a bunker with 2m thick walls, it has to rely on the museum's wifi! Instead, if your French is not strong, I'd recommend you use your translation app in camera mode. Hold it up to read the German Kommandant's angry notice addressing anti-German graffiti and the penalties for not removing it... and/or the last letters written by 20-yr-old captured Resistance man, Claude Waroquier, from Fresne Prison in Paris to his parents in Calais, as he awaits his execution."
Alastair McKenzie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located in the park opposite the town hall in Calais. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the city center. Parking might be available nearby, but public transport or walking is often recommended for ease.
Given its location within a historic bunker with thick walls, accessibility for wheelchairs might be challenging. It's advisable to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific access arrangements for visitors with mobility issues.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official museum website or their social media pages before your visit. Generally, it's open during typical daytime hours on weekdays and weekends.
While the museum is centrally located, dedicated parking directly at the bunker might be limited. Street parking or nearby public parking lots are your best bet. Consider public transport or walking if you're already in Calais.
Absolutely! The museum is a compact yet impactful visit, making it perfect for a day trip to Calais. You can easily combine it with other local attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is reasonably priced at around 7 Euros, offering excellent value for the historical experience. It's a budget-friendly option for history enthusiasts.
For most visits, booking in advance is not strictly necessary, especially during off-peak times. However, if you're visiting during a busy period or with a group, it might be wise to check if advance booking is recommended.
Information on specific discounts for students, seniors, or groups is not widely publicized. It's always a good idea to inquire directly with the museum staff upon arrival or check their official website for any available offers.
Most visitors spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the museum, depending on their interest level and how much time they dedicate to reading exhibits and using the audio guide.
The museum offers a historical perspective on WWII that can be educational for older children. However, the bunker setting and the nature of the exhibits might be intense for very young children. Parental discretion is advised.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse collection including authentic weapons, uniforms, detailed models, dioramas, photographs, newspapers, official notices, and personal items that illustrate life during the war in Calais.
Yes, an audio guide is available and highly recommended to enhance your understanding of the exhibits. Be aware that the Wi-Fi within the bunker can be unreliable, so ensure it's downloaded or functioning properly.
Not all exhibits have descriptions in English. Some reviews suggest that about 50% of items lack English descriptions. Using a translation app on your phone is a practical solution.
The museum is housed in an actual German underground bunker built by forced labor. This setting adds a profound layer of authenticity and atmosphere, making the historical experience more impactful.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to look for signage within the museum or ask a staff member if photography is permitted. Some historical sites restrict flash photography to protect artifacts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, historical sites like this bunker museum do not have extensive food and beverage facilities within the exhibit areas. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit.
Being located near the town hall, you'll find numerous cafes and restaurants in the surrounding streets of Calais offering various cuisines. Explore the local area for dining options.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally good practice to avoid consuming food and drinks inside museum exhibits to preserve the artifacts. Check for designated areas if available.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can differ. Look for signs or ask staff. Flash photography is often prohibited to protect delicate exhibits.
The bunker's architecture itself, with its thick concrete walls and dimly lit corridors, offers a unique photographic opportunity. Capture the atmosphere of the preserved rooms.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in or around historical sites and urban areas due to safety and privacy regulations. Always check local bylaws.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial due to the bunker's interior. A wide-angle lens can help capture the confined spaces effectively.
Phone cameras are usually allowed, but again, check for any restrictions on flash usage. The quality of phone cameras today is often sufficient for capturing the museum's ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more engaging, consider utilizing the audio guide or preparing some background information beforehand. The museum's affordability also makes it a good option for families looking for enriching activities without a high cost.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a picnic lunch in the park outside or explore nearby affordable eateries to keep your day trip expenses down. It's a chance to immerse yourself in history without breaking the bank.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
While some reviewers noted a desire for more detailed historical context or translation for all exhibits, the sheer volume of authentic items and the immersive environment make it a worthwhile visit. Bringing a translation app or utilizing the audio guide will greatly enhance the experience for dedicated history buffs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Immersive Bunker Experience
Exploring the various rooms, each dedicated to different aspects of the war, feels like navigating through history. From the telephone exchange to living quarters, the bunker's structure is integral to the narrative. This immersive approach makes the museum particularly memorable, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the historical context beyond just viewing objects. It’s a powerful reminder of the realities of conflict and occupation.
Navigating Language Barriers and Enhancing Understanding
Furthermore, the museum offers an audio guide, which is highly praised for providing valuable context and narrative. It's important to note that the bunker's thick walls can affect Wi-Fi signal strength, so downloading the audio guide beforehand or ensuring a stable connection is advisable. For those who prefer a more guided experience, the multilingual staff are also noted for being helpful. By employing these tools, visitors can overcome language limitations and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the museum's rich historical content.
The Power of Personal Stories and Authentic Artifacts
These items offer a poignant glimpse into the resilience and experiences of individuals, making the history relatable and deeply affecting. The museum excels at showcasing how ordinary people navigated extraordinary circumstances. This emphasis on personal narratives, combined with the tangible remnants of the past, creates a powerful and moving exhibition that resonates long after the visit.
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