D-Day Experience (Dead Man's Corner Museum)
About D-Day Experience (Dead Man's Corner Museum)
The D-Day Experience is a WWII museum complex located in Saint-Côme-du-Mont, between Utah Beach and Carentan. The site offers a dual perspective on the June 1944 events, presenting both American 101st Airborne Division and German Fallschirmjäger Regiment 6 viewpoints from the same battle. The highlight is an authentic 1943 C-47 Dakota aircraft—a veteran of the actual D-Day parachute operations—converted into a flight simulator that recreates the combat drop experience over Normandy. The historic building served as Major von der Heydte's German command post on June 6, 1944, and later became a field hospital treating wounded from both sides. Visitors can explore over 10,000 m² of exhibition space including dioramas of the Battle of Carentan, authentic uniforms (including Major Dick Winters' D-Day uniform from Band of Brothers), and artifacts from crashed aircraft. The name "Dead Man's Corner" originates from June 7, 1944, when a destroyed American tank with the commander's body visible became a navigation landmark for troops. A 45-minute 3D documentary complements the exhibits. Arrive before 2:00 PM during peak periods to access all attractions; ticket office closes at 4:30 PM.
Interesting Facts
The C-47 aircraft used in the flight simulator has a remarkable post-war history: after serving in the D-Day operations, it was purchased by British Royal Mail for postal deliveries. Decades later, Steven Spielberg acquired the same aircraft for filming the HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers," and it eventually found its permanent home at this museum.
German paratrooper Bruno Hinz, who destroyed the American tank that gave "Dead Man's Corner" its name with a Panzerfaust anti-tank weapon, survived the battle. The M5A1 Stuart tank he destroyed was Tank #12 of the 70th Tank Battalion, and all four crew members were killed in the attack on June 7, 1944.
Major Friedrich August Freiherr von der Heydte's paratroopers were the first German forces to confirm Allied landings in Normandy. They identified the pathfinders of the 101st Airborne Division exactly seven minutes after midnight on June 6, 1944—before any official German command knew the invasion had begun.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
Complete Experience
RecommendedIncludes Museum, 3D Cinema, and C-47 Flight Simulator. Duration: 3 hours. Ticket office closes at 4:30 PM.
Museum + 3D Cinema
Includes both museums and 45-minute documentary film. Duration: 1.5 hours.
Museum + Flight Simulator
Includes both museums and authentic C-47 flight simulator experience. Duration: 2.5 hours. Minimum age for simulator: 5 years.
3D Cinema Only
45-minute documentary about the D-Day landings.
Family Package - Complete Experience
Family TicketCovers 2 adults + 2-3 children. Includes Museum, 3D Cinema, and C-47 Flight Simulator.
Family Package - Museum + 3D Cinema
Family TicketCovers 2 adults + 2-3 children. Includes both museums and 45-minute documentary.
Family Package - Museum + Flight Simulator
Family TicketCovers 2 adults + 2-3 children. Includes both museums and C-47 flight simulator.
Location & Practical Info
Address
2 Village de l'Amont, 50500 Saint-Côme-du-Mont, Carentan-les-Marais, France
Website
https://dday-experience.comDay Routes
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