The Musée de la Bataille de Tilly-sur-Seulles takes you back to the summer of 1944 when this small Norman village became the center of fierce fighting. Housed in the historic Notre Dame du Val Chapel, a 12th-century structure listed as a Historic Monument, this museum tells the story of the brutal conflict between the British 30th Army Corps and German forces. The museum’s unique location in an ancient chapel provides visitors with a powerful setting to learn about the weeks-long struggle that left this picturesque village in ruins during the Battle of Normandy.
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When you visit, you’ll discover exhibits that highlight the local experience during this pivotal period of World War II. The museum focuses specifically on the intense combat that occurred around Tilly-sur-Seulles, which changed hands multiple times as Allied forces pushed inland from the D-Day beaches. This lesser-known battlefield story offers an important perspective on the challenges faced by both soldiers and civilians as the liberation of France unfolded in the summer of 1944.
Battle of Tilly-sur-Seulles 1944 Museum
The Battle of Tilly-sur-Seulles 1944 Museum sits inside a 13th-century chapel in Normandy. You’ll discover a lesser-known but crucial part of the Normandy invasion through displays and panels that tell the story of the battle from June 7-19, 1944.
This small museum focuses on the fierce fighting between British forces and German troops. The village of Tilly was captured and recaptured 23 times before its final liberation. Nearly 70% of the village was destroyed, and about 10% of the local population perished in the conflict.
When you visit, you’ll learn how this area became the hinge of the Battle of Caen, with British battalions losing around 200 men daily. Though not an original Allied objective, Tilly became one of the first Norman villages destroyed by combat, symbolizing the brutal nature of the post-D-Day fighting.
The museum is open from May 1 to the last weekend of September 2025. Admission is €4 for adults and €2 for visitors aged 12-18. A typical visit takes about 45 minutes, and you’ll find a small gift shop on site.
Rating: 4.4 (53 reviews)
Location: 18 Rue du 18 Juin 1944, 14250 Tilly-sur-Seulles, France
Contact: +33 2 31 80 92 10
Website: Visit Website
History and Significance
The Musée de la Bataille in Tilly-sur-Seulles preserves the memory of fierce battles that occurred during the Normandy campaign in 1944. This unique museum, housed in a 12th-century chapel, connects visitors to a critical chapter of World War II history.
Origins of the Museum
The museum was established inside the historic Notre Dame du Val Chapel, a listed Historic Monument dating back to the 12th century. This remarkable building survived through centuries of history before finding its current purpose as a memorial space. The association behind the museum works to highlight Tilly’s historical heritage for cultural, educational, and tourist purposes.
You’ll find that local historians and community members played a crucial role in gathering artifacts and documents to create this museum. Their dedication ensures that the stories of those who fought here aren’t forgotten.
The distinctive setting in an ancient chapel creates a solemn atmosphere that enhances your experience of the exhibits.
Role in World War II Commemoration
The museum documents the intense fighting between the British 30th Army Corps and German forces that took place in June and July 1944. Tilly-sur-Seulles changed hands 23 times during these brutal battles following the D-Day landings.
When you visit, you’ll discover how this small Norman town became a strategic hotspot during the Normandy campaign. The museum contains valuable traces of these violent confrontations, helping you understand the human cost of liberation.
The exhibits honor both military and civilian experiences, showing how war affected everyone in the region. Through personal stories and artifacts, you’ll gain insight into the sacrifices made during those critical weeks of fighting.
This museum serves as an important stop for those tracing the path of Allied forces through Normandy.
Exhibits and Collections
The museum houses a remarkable array of historical items that tell the story of the fierce battles around Tilly-sur-Seulles. Visitors can explore various displays that bring the events of 1944 to life through authentic artifacts and engaging presentations.
Weapons and Artifacts
The museum’s collection features battlefield discoveries, military equipment, and personal items from soldiers who fought in the area. You’ll find weapons, uniforms, and everyday objects used by both Allied and German forces during the brutal fighting that saw Tilly change hands 23 times.
Photos and documents offer personal glimpses into the lives of those involved in the conflict. Many artifacts were recovered directly from the battlefield, giving you an authentic connection to history.
The museum proudly displays models that recreate battle scenarios, helping you visualize the strategic importance of this small Norman village in the larger D-Day campaign.
Interactive Displays
The museum brings history to life through thoughtful interactive elements. Maps and tactical displays help you understand the complex military maneuvers that occurred around Tilly-sur-Seulles.
Oral histories and recorded accounts from veterans who participated in the battle provide moving firsthand perspectives. These personal stories create an emotional connection to the events that unfolded here.
The museum effectively uses the historic 12th-century Notre Dame du Val Chapel setting to create an atmosphere of reflection and remembrance. The juxtaposition of medieval architecture with modern warfare artifacts creates a powerful experience.
Informative panels throughout the exhibits provide context in multiple languages, making the displays accessible regardless of your background.
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Other WW2 Museums in Normandy:
1944 Radar Museum
Airborne Museum Sainte-Merè-Église
Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema
Batterie d’Azeville
Batterie de Crisbecq
Bayeux Museum of the Battle of Normandy
Big Red One Assault Museum
D-Day Experience (Dead Man’s Corner)
Juno Beach Centre
Le Mémorial de Falaise – Les Civils dans la Guerre
Liberators Museum – Normandy 1944
Maisy Battery
Marcouf 44
Mémorial de Caen (Caen Memorial Museum)
Mémorial de Montormel
Mémorial Pegasus (Pegasus Bridge Museum)
Musée 44 La Percée du Bocage
Musée America Gold Beach (America-Gold Beach Museum)
Musée D-Day Omaha (D-Day Omaha Museum) Vierville-sur-Mer
Musée de la Bataille de Tilly-sur-Seulles
Musee de la Batterie de Merville
Musée de la Libération (Liberation Museum) Cherbourg
Musée des Epaves Sous-Marines
Musée du Débarquement (D-Day Museum) – Arromanches-les-Bains
Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach (Utah Beach Museum)
Musée du Mur de l’Atlantique
Musée Juin 44 L’Aigle
Museum Commando No. 4
Normandy Victory Museum
Omaha Beach Memorial Museum (Musée Mémorial d’Omaha Beach) Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer
Overlord Museum
World War II Museum Quinéville
