Verlaine Message Museum

The Verlaine Message Museum, also known as the Museum of 5 June 1944, is a historical museum that was founded in 1991. It is located in the city of Tourcoing, which is near Lille in France. The museum is named after a significant event that took place during World War II, specifically the message sent by the BBC's Radio Londres announcing the imminent invasion of Normandy.

Historical Significance of the Museum's Location

The Verlaine Message Museum is housed in a concrete bunker where the German Wehrmacht intercepted the message announcing the invasion of Normandy. This bunker was part of the headquarters of the German 15th Army during the Battle of France. The headquarters consisted of thirteen concrete blockhouses, which protected the occupiers against air strikes and chemical weapons.

Exhibits at the Verlaine Message Museum

The Verlaine Message Museum is dedicated to showcasing the installations of the Nazi occupation of France and explaining how these installations functioned. The rooms that were most important to the bunker's wartime function, including the generators, ventilators, telephone exchange and translation department, as well as the general's office, kitchen and guard post, are open for public view. These rooms have been restored to their wartime appearance, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past.