This excellent museum is set in the Fort du Roule, a Second Empire fortress which was occupied by the Germans during WW2 and liberated by the Americans in 1944. Cherbourg was the first port freed from the Nazis and this event on June 25 1944 is a symbol of Cherbourg's liberation.
The museum traces the role of Cherbourg, its soldiers and the everyday life of its civilians during the war with exhibits including GI uniforms and equipment and audio-visual materials with a theatre showing footage of the liberation. Standing proudly overlooking the town from 117m above sea level, the fort also has a fantastic panoramic view to enjoy after the education and drama found within the museum.