Abbaye aux Dames celebrates freedom

I remember, emotion in seven letters

Immerse yourself in the stories of civilians and soldiers in the summer of 1944, read by young secondary school students from Normandy. Designed by director Faïssal Zaoui, this video series explores the theme of memory. Imbued with both freshness and emotion, the faces of young readers are superimposed with archive images, reinforcing the historical context of each letter. A fascinating exploration of the notion of transmission, as a way of remembering, learning and sharing.

Letters taken from the book Paroles du Jour J: Lettres et carnets du débarquement, été 1944 by Jean-Pierre Guéno published in 2004.

Our Heritage

Created by photographer, Pierre Galliot, the “Our Heritage” exhibition presents itself as a living tribute to the places affected by the Second World War. Each photo, chosen with care, offers a contrasting view of a courageous past and a present full of life. Who is holding the photo? These are the residents of Normandy encountered on site, who agreed to participate and tell us about a memory or an anecdote from this war.

It is an invitation to reflect on our history, to celebrate it and to learn from it for a resilient future. 

The flight of the doves

 The Great Staircase soars to the rhythm of the doves. Find this vast origami cloud, a monumental work of art that embodies peace, love and freedom in the heart of the cloister. Values passed down through generations in honour of veterans. 

This ephemeral work is the fruit of a collective effort following an appeal to the people of Normandy. The Normandy Region thanks all these contributors heartily.

On the Routes of Liberation: the Sicilian Campaign of 1943

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing and the Battle of Normandy, the exhibition 'On the Routes of Liberation: The Sicilian Campaign of 1943' uncovers a crucial prelude to the liberation of Europe. It bridges the historic landings in Sicily in July 1943 with the Normandy landings in June 1944, underscoring their interconnected paths to freedom.

This exhibition has been developed in partnership with the LRE Foundation and its Italian branches, LRE Italia, initiators of the Liberation Route Europe (an itinerary certified by the Council of Europe).

My city liberated

The company, La Belle Envolée, offers you a unique live show where you can retrace the destiny of the Abbaye aux Dames and the city of Caen during the Second World War, before and after the Landing and then at the Liberation. The troupe uses theatre and storytelling to create a unique encounter between the public and history. It's a nighttime show that will delight young and old alike.

See you on Friday 14/06, Thursday 25/07 and Tuesday 06/08 at 9 p.m.
 

Reserve at : billetterie-abbayeauxdames.normandie.fr