The D-Day Story — Attraction in Portsmouth

Visiting The D-Day Story in Portsmouth was not just an educational outing; it was an immersive encounter with history that left an indelible mark on my heart and mind. This museum is not simply a collection of artifacts; it is a portal to the past, offering a multi-sensory experience that brings the harrowing and heroic tales of D-Day to life.

Right from the onset, the museum curators have done a sterling job in crafting an exhibit that marries historical accuracy with engaging storytelling. Every display is meticulously arranged, taking you through the timeline of events with such clarity and detail that it’s impossible not to be absorbed by the gravity of the D-Day landings.

The highlight of our visit was undeniably the ingenious use of modern technology to invoke the atmosphere of the wartime era. When we stepped into the landing craft installation, we were greeted with a video projection that encapsulated the tension and anticipation felt by the soldiers as they approached the Normandy beaches. The rumble of the craft’s engine, the whispers of the men, and the unsteady waves created a visceral experience that was both humbling and enlightening. In that moment, we were no longer mere spectators; we were part of a pivotal moment in history, sharing in the collective breath of bravery and uncertainty.

The D-Day Story excels not only in its interactive exhibits but also in its ability to evoke emotions. It is one thing to read about history in books; it is another to feel it pulse around you. The museum has succeeded in creating a space where learning is active, engaging, and deeply personal. Through thoughtful interactivity, visitors of all ages are provided with a gateway to understand the sacrifices made and the strategic intricacies of the D-Day operation.

Beyond the landing craft experience, the museum offers a plethora of interactive elements, including hands-on displays and personal testimonies that allow visitors to connect with the individual stories amidst the wider narrative. It's a powerful reminder that history is not made up of faceless numbers, but of real people whose courage and resolve shaped the world we live in today.

For those looking to grasp the enormity of the D-Day landings and to honor the legacy of those who fought, The D-Day Story is an essential visit. The museum doesn’t just tell you a story; it draws you into history’s embrace, leaving a lasting impression of reverence and understanding. I left The D-Day Story with a deeper appreciation for our past and a grateful heart for the peace carved out by those who...

I last went there in September 2011 the museum got remodeled in 2018 and they have many new exhibits and the worlds only LCT Landing Craft Tank that you can go on !!! It also looks spectacular at night if your well into history like me then it's definitely well worth a visit as i can relate to objects like the QF 25 anti tank gun or the very very rare Sherman BARV of which there is only four left there's even a model of the Mulbery with 1/72 scale vehicles such as the Diamond T 981 Sherman Morris artillery tractor and three M7 Priest mobile artillery peaces I found a diary most interesting George was writing was in code so George's family would know were he was he was the driver of an artillery tractor he even went to Peshawar on the North West Frontier there's so many stories in one place you can spend many many hours looking around and let's not forget the famous tapestry that was made in the late 1960s it's that big it has a hole room to it's self I found it very interesting because I could tell what models the trucks were ( Fordson WOT 1 RAF fire engine AEC Matador and Austin K6 ) The staff are excellent with there knowledge and extremely helpful ( unlike at RAF museum Cosford ) I got talking to two staff members one I think was the director and she was trying to locate a photograph that they have in there archives it was of an amourd truck possibly a crocodile flame thrower or armadillo mobile pillbox used by the RAF on the airfields. I would recommend this museum for many reasons but looking at it on the net doesn't do it justice you need to be there to take it all in and the feeling is quite...

VERY DISAPPOINTING After having visited the great Imperial War Museum in London, the week before, we had high expectations about this museum. However, the D-day tapestry was really disappointing. It was so dark in that part of the museum that we could not read any of the explanations under the tapestry nor appreciate the provided WW-II photo's. The whole idea of to make an embroidery about D-day is rather far-fetched. The D-day exhibition itself started with a pathetic video wherein a third rate actor tries to explain to a virtual group of officers what they can expect during the D-day landings. On another screen a bad actor who impersonates a colored G.I. complains about how cold he was. Really? There is so much great video material available about D-day. Why waste these modern large screens on such rubbish? The exibition itself is an inconsistent, illogical collection of WWII parafernalia, most of them very poorly illuminated and without any proper story line. The front of a radio transmitter was totally in the dark and an interesting spyset with mini compasses, miniature radios etc. was too dark to discern. How on earth this exhibition can inspire young people to get a better understanding of WW-II is beyond me. The only positive thing about the D-day Story is the LCT-7074 tank landing craft. next to the museum. This museum is in urgent need of an overhaul, hopefully by the people who renovated the wonderful IWM in London. PS: I have a Youtube channel with 175,000 subscribers and over 47 million views, largely dedicated to WW-II history and thus was expecting far more from this museum. I am so...