Once
upon a time,
the planning of the greatest seaborne invasion ever took place.
Four years in the preparation, Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion
of Normandy on 6 June 1944, marked the beginning of the end of World
War II and the eventual liberation of Europe.
Languages 
D-Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery
Portsmouth’s D-Day Museum is Britain’s only museum dedicated solely to covering all aspects of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. D-Day was a turning point in the Second World War, and a moment when the course of world events depended on the Allied troops taking part.
FREE ADMISSION to the D-Day Museum for Portsmouth library card holders and their families!
From 1 November 2009 to 31 January 2010, holders of a Portsmouth City Council library card - and their families - get into the D-Day Museum for free. You must bring the card with you when you visit the museum.
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother opened the Museum in June 1984, on the 40th Anniversary of D-Day. The Museum’s centrepiece is the magnificent Overlord Embroidery. At 272 feet (83 metres) in length, this is the world’s longest embroidery of its kind, and the Twentieth Century equivalent of the Bayeux Tapestry. It was commissioned by Lord Dulverton of Batsford (1915-92) as a tribute to the sacrifice and heroism of those men and women who took part in Operation Overlord. Designed by artist Sandra Lawrence, the Embroidery took five years to complete. An accompanying multi-language audio commentary brings the events of the Embroidery to life.
The Museum's unique and dramatic film show uses archive film to create a moving experience that captures the wartime atmosphere. Extensive displays of personal memorabilia, maps, uniforms, vehicles and other historic artefacts complete your visit to the D-Day Museum. Full size dioramas include the map room at the Allied headquarters at Southwick House, and a Horsa glider that has landed in Normandy. A real LCVP landing craft is on display, as is a rare Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle (BARV) tank.
Recent News
On 30 April 2009, Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh visited the
D-Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery.
Click here to find out more about recent acquisitions to the collections of Portsmouth Museums & Records Service.
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The translation of this site is offered by a third party. No responsibility is taken by Portsmouth City Museums to the quality or accuracy of this online translation service.
