Before becoming the Pegasus Memorial we know today, there was another museum built and managed by the Landing Committee. This museum was located in Bénouville and was inaugurated on June 6, 1974.
The first museum
The British 6th Airborne Division Museum was founded by General Richard Gale. Shortly beforehand, he suggested the importance of commemorating the unit's role during the D-Day landings.
In close collaboration with the British Airborne Forces Veterans Association (AANT), which provided many items, the D-Day Landing Committee financed the construction of the building near the Caen Canal Bridge.
Inaugurated by Raymond Triboulet, in the presence of General Richard Gale and General Omar Bradley, commander of the 1st US Army during the D-Day landings, the museum remained open for 23 years until 1997.
The second museum
The Pegasus Memorial
When the museum closed in 1997, Raymond Triboulet, in response to the wishes of the AANT, decided to replace it. He envisioned a more modern and forward-looking structure. Admiral Brac de la Perrière, who succeeded Raymond Triboulet, implemented the construction of the new museum.
Thanks to the generosity of many French and British citizens and the financial participation of French and European organizations, the Committee raised the 11 million francs necessary for its construction. The original bridge, saved from destruction, became part of the museum's grounds. The Prince of Wales inaugurated the Pegasus Memorial on June 4, 2000. He returned in 2004 to inaugurate the full-scale replica of the Horsa glider.
Today, the museum alone generates the revenue needed to fund the annual international D-Day commemorations.