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The crises of the Cold War

Numerous crises were breaking out in the outerlying regions controlled by the superpowers, making populations worldwide fear the worst for their future. Composed of a series of symbolic gears, including photos and debris from the U-2 plane shot down in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis, this display presents the key dates and protagonists of the Cold War.

The Cuban missile crisis

It was during the Cuban affair in October 1962, and particularly the Missile Crisis, that the Cold War, now the “hot” Cold War, almost sparked a new world war. 

On October 27, 1962, at the peak of the Cuban Missile Crisis, an American U-2 spyplane along with its pilot, Rudolf Anderson, was shot down over the island. The next day, Kennedy and Khrushchev, in the grip of a real power struggle, narrowly avoided nuclear confrontation. Three pieces of sheet alloy from the plane, kept at the Museum of the Revolution in Havana, are now on display at the Caen Memorial museum.

With the aerial photographs taken by an American U-2 plane on October 14, 1962, showing the installation of Soviet Missiles on Cuban soil and Kennedy’s televised speech on October 22, calling international public opinion to witness, visitors can follow all the key stages of the Cuban Missile Crisis, a paroxysm of the Cold War.

The Vietnam War

This major conflict, certainly the deadliest of the Cold War, which erupted between the US and North Vietnamese forces is presented through a mural showcase exhibiting the uniforms of two fighters: the heavily equipped one of an American GI and the lighter, simpler one of a Vietcong soldier, complete with rubber sandals.

Through shocking images, an archive film reminds visitors of the key moments in this 16-year war, which ended in 1975 with the fall of Saigon and the victory of the Communists.

Photographs, maps, films, and soundtracks bring the defining moments of this period to life, while the walls of pulleys, gears, and chains recall the relentless spiral of the war between the blocks.

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23 149 avis

The tour was so touching

We visited the museum and took the Normandy beaches tour with Andrea. The tour was so touching, interesting, and also surreal. Andrea’s knowledge and great personality helped make this experience unforgettable. I would highly recommend this tour and tour guide to anyone wishing to learn more about WWII.

We visited as a school group

We visited as a school group and had a guided tour by Oliver. He was masterful in walking us through the museum and teaching our group about WWII. If you can, get a guided tour by Oliver – he made the museum the best it could be.

Booked a full day tour of Normandy - Cemetery - St Mere

Booked a full day tour of Normandy – Cemetery – St Mere. Oliver our tour guide was excellent. He was informative, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. As an avid reader of WW2 military history I cannot imagine trying to navigate the Normandy area without going on a tour. I am sure all of the tour guides are great, however, Oliver was outstanding – highly recommend. The format of the tour was well planned – Cemetery and landings, lunch at a nice local bistro, then further sites. Oliver was able to identify through just reading books. The Caen Memorial Museum was very good as well.

It was a trip far more than expected

It was a trip far more than expected. A good chance to gaze upon the bravery of American soldiers on D-Day on those particular historic spots. I was super lucky to travel by myself along with the tour guide Mario and our driver Alain. Mario is a super enthusiastic guide prepared detailed history facts about the landing day, and always ready to any possible questions – also a patient teacher to a non-French-speaking tourist like me. Driver Alain, humorous as well, guaranteed a smooth landing along the shore for the whole day, and was willing to slow down at any interesting spot. As I mentioned, this guided tour is especially suitable for those traveling without cars or who want to witness most of the prestigious spots in a single day. It provides the best initial impression to those looking for WW2 history in Normandy.

It was a very special day - Legacy Roads

Oliver did a outstanding job. An unplanned incident where a little girl ran up to us in the middle of the beach, asked if I was a veteran and presented me with a veterans medal, left all of us in tears. Later, Oliver asked if I could be part of the Taps lowering of the flag, the request was granted on this Memorial Day. It was a very special day for this US Army veteran. I’m glad I followed my American Legion Commander’s advice and wore my Legion hat. The beach and cemetery tour was sobering, reflective and meaningful. Thank you.

wonderful D-Day tour - Legacy Roads

I had a wonderful D-Day tour with Andrea and Allan. They were friendly, knowledgeable, prompt and accommodating. Great full day tour of all the main D-Day sites. And the Memorial the next day was really good as well.