Caen Memorial

City of memories

The Caen Memorial is a museum dedicated to the history of the Second World War, the Cold War and contemporary conflicts. It presents interactive exhibitions on the major events of the 20th century, with a focus on peace, freedom and remembrance.

This place of reflection offers visitors a better understanding of global issues and the impact of wars on humanity. Very recently opened (April 1, 2025), the "Shoah" room is dedicated to the presentation of the Holocaust, with the aim of raising visitors' awareness of one of the most striking tragedies of the 20th century.

Temporary exhibition from June 18, 2025 to January 4, 2026 dedicated to Varian Fry, an American journalist renowned for helping many intellectuals and artists persecuted by the Nazi regime to flee Europe.

Ciné-Famille: my father's secrets

Wednesday August 13, 2025 at 3pm (free admission)

During the school vacations, the Caen Memorial offers families a free screening of Véra Belmont's film Les Secrets de mon père (2022), inspired by Michel Kichka's comic strip Deuxième Génération. Screening followed by mediation around testimony and the Second World War.

Synopsis :
In Belgium in the 60s, Michel and his brother Charly grow up in a Jewish family. Their father, silent and discreet, refuses to talk about his past. The children imagine him as an adventurer... But what is he really hiding?

Summer concert at the Memorial

Friday August 22, 2025 at 7pm (free admission)

To accompany the opening of the space dedicated to the Shoah and the temporary exhibition Varian Fry : les chemins de l'exil, the Mémorial de Caen offers a unique musical evening, in partnership with the association L'Académie Musicale Internationale AMI Côte de Nacre. Thirty musicians will perform a musical program featuring traditional Jewish music, works from the classical repertoire and music from films such as Schindler's List and La Vie est belle.

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Ciné-Famille: A Bag of Marbles

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 3pm (free admission)

During the school vacations, the Memorial offers families a free screening of the film Un sac de billes, based on the book by Joseph Joffo. The screening is followed by a mediation session on the subject of testimony and the Second World War.

Synopsis :
In occupied France, Maurice and Joseph, two young Jewish brothers left to their own devices, show remarkable courage and ingenuity in fleeing the enemy and trying to reunite their family.

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