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Musée Mémorial des Combats de la Poche de Colmar: A Tribute to Liberation

Discover the compelling story of the Colmar Pocket battles at the Musée Mémorial in Turckheim, a tribute to the liberation of Alsace and a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom.

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The Musée Mémorial des Combats de la Poche de Colmar in Turckheim offers a poignant journey into the brutal winter battles of 1944-45 that liberated Alsace from Nazi Germany. Housed in an 18th-century cellar that once sheltered local residents, the museum showcases a compelling collection of artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, and personal items, bringing to life the experiences of soldiers and civilians caught in the crossfire. Through detailed dioramas and historical exhibits, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the Colmar Pocket's strategic importance and the immense sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom. More than just a war museum, it serves as a place of remembrance, honoring all victims, military and civilian, regardless of their allegiance, united by the ideal of liberty. The museum is a cultural and educational center dedicated to preserving and sharing this crucial chapter of Alsatian history with future generations.

A brief summary to Musée Mémorial des combats de la Poche de Colmar

  • Monday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Tuesday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Wednesday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Thursday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Friday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-12 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-12 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for the most up-to-date opening hours, as they vary depending on the season.
  • Allow at least 2 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits and immerse yourself in the history of the Colmar Pocket.
  • Consider visiting Turckheim during the week to avoid larger crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming medieval village of Turckheim, exploring its ramparts, gates, and half-timbered houses.
  • The museum is dedicated to all the veterans. It is the symbol of Freedom restored for a troubled region of France.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Colmar, the most convenient way to reach the Musée Mémorial des Combats de la Poche de Colmar is by bus. Take Trace Colmar bus line A, G, or C from the Théâtre or Gare stop in Colmar to the Porte de France or Place de la République stop in Turckheim. From either stop, it's a short, approximately 7-minute walk to the museum. The museum is located at 25 Rue du Conseil, easily found within the old town. A single bus fare costs around €1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Colmar to the Musée Mémorial in Turckheim is a quick option, taking about 10-15 minutes. Expect to pay around €20-€25 for the trip. This is a good choice if you prefer a direct route or are traveling in a group.

  • Walking

    For those who enjoy a scenic walk, it's possible to walk from Colmar to Turckheim. The distance is approximately 6.7 km and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Follow the well-marked paths and enjoy the beautiful Alsatian countryside. Once in Turckheim, navigate to the old town and 25 Rue du Conseil.

  • Driving

    If driving from Colmar, follow the signs for Turckheim. Once in Turckheim, parking is available in several locations, including Parking du Marché on Place de la République. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around €2-€3 per hour. From the parking area, it's a short walk to the museum at 25 Rue du Conseil.

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Discover more about Musée Mémorial des combats de la Poche de Colmar

Nestled in the heart of the medieval village of Turckheim, the Musée Mémorial des Combats de la Poche de Colmar stands as a powerful testament to a pivotal moment in Alsatian history. This unique museum is dedicated to the fierce battles fought during the winter of 1944-1945 to liberate the Colmar Pocket, the last German stronghold in French territory, from Nazi occupation. The museum's location itself is steeped in history. It resides within an 18th-century cellar, once part of the village presbytery. During the intense fighting, this cellar served as a shelter for the residents of Turckheim, offering a small measure of protection from the relentless bombardment. For ten long weeks, families huddled within these walls, enduring unimaginable conditions without water or electricity, their lives reduced to sleeping on the cold, hard floor. Today, this very space has been transformed into a place of remembrance, a sanctuary dedicated to preserving the memory of the liberation and honoring all those who participated, both military and civilian. The Musée Mémorial is more than just a repository of wartime artifacts; it is a deeply moving experience that brings the past to life. The museum's collection is exceptional, featuring a wide array of authentic objects that meticulously recount the story of the Colmar Pocket battles. Visitors will encounter a diverse range of items, including weapons, uniforms, military equipment, photographs, posters, and personal belongings of soldiers from the American, French, and German armies. Detailed dioramas recreate scenes from the battlefield, providing a vivid and immersive glimpse into the harsh realities of war. These carefully crafted displays offer a powerful connection to the past, allowing visitors to empathize with the soldiers who fought and the civilians who struggled to survive. The origins of nearly every piece exhibited are known, allowing the museum to trace the history of each object with remarkable precision. This meticulous approach adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the exhibits, transforming them from mere artifacts into tangible links to individual stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. The museum also pays tribute to the civilian population, acknowledging their suffering and resilience during the prolonged period of conflict. Through photographs, letters, and personal accounts, the museum reveals the hardships endured by the people of Alsace as they waited for liberation, their lives disrupted by constant fighting and the ever-present threat of danger. The Musée Mémorial is not simply a war museum; it is a museum for peace. It celebrates the memory of all victims, regardless of their nationality or allegiance, united by the shared value of liberty. The museum's mission is to educate and inspire, fostering a deeper understanding of the human cost of conflict and promoting the importance of peace and reconciliation. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can endure, and that hope for a better future can prevail. Since its creation in 1994, the Memorial has welcomed nearly 200,000 visitors. Numerous associations and veterans' groups, school children from all over France, many veterans of all nationalities, and individuals come to discover the Memorial. The museum hosts a large number of school groups every year. The Colmar Pocket itself holds a significant place in history. In August 1944, the first units of General De Lattre's B Army landed in Saint-Tropez and advanced through the Rhône Valley after liberating Toulon and Marseille. Three weeks later, after a journey of 750 km, they reached the foot of the Vosges Mountains. The battles that raged from November 1944 to February 1945 devastated the entire Alsace Plain and its foothills. After already waiting four years to be liberated, the population of Alsace were forced to show a further test of patience and sacrifice during these three months of warfare, aggravated by polar temperatures. The Musée Mémorial des Combats de la Poche de Colmar stands as a cultural and educational center founded with the intention of passing on a page of our local history and our national heritage to young people today and tomorrow.

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