A HIGHLY INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE
The invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe on June 6, 1944 was a pivotal event in World War II. This year marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, and the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force wants to enhance your understanding of “the longest day.”
In honor of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, the Air Force Museum Foundation has opened a new, highly interactive, augmented reality experience, focusing on the 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions and their missions during D-Day.
Located in the second building of the Museum, this limited-time exhibit utilizes the innovative “HistoPad,” designed by the French company Histovery. This interactive technology will immerse you in the history of Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy, France, during the Occupation and the summer of 1944. Through spectacular scientifically- and historically-validated 360° recreations, museum visitors will travel in time to understand the key moments of this decisive battle for the success of D-Day.
Presented in 7 different languages, HistoPad technology makes learning fun for visitors by presenting information in a manner tech-savvy youth have come to expect. Visitors will interact with the history, men and equipment of D-Day, and will be drawn deeper into this pivotal day in history.
Easy and fun
The HistoPad technology is easy to use with clear icons prompting visitors to explore and engage with the content.
Immersive experience
By orienting the screen in every direction, visitors can explore a reconstructed site from 1944.
Showcasing collections
Concise texts, interactive objects, sounds effects and animations enable visitors to learn more about period artifacts.
RElic hunt
Activities help stimulate the young visitor’s curiosity and encourage deeper interaction.
Rich media
Exceptional archival films and interactive animated maps involve the audience and enhance the experience further.
FAQs
How long will it take?
You are free to visit at your own pace. We recommend at least 45 minutes to see the whole thing.
When does the exhibit open and close?
Tablets may be rented between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. with the exhibit closing at 5 p.m. This allows us to be sure that our last visitors have the time they need to experience the exhibit.
How long will the exhibit be at the Museum?
This exhibit will be open from May 13 through the end of the year.
Does this exhibit cover all of D-Day?
This exhibit focuses on D-Day in the context of the American paratroopers around the town of Sainte-Mère-Église. This was the first town to be liberated by American soldiers on D-Day, and today it is home to the Airborne Museum, a museum entirely dedicated to those paratroopers. Histovery created this exhibit in partnership with that museum, and as such it focuses on the actions for those troops (paratroopers, pathfinders, gliderman, pilots, etc.) around the town of Sainte-Mère-Église.
How much does it cost?
Each ticket is $5.00. There is a combo ticket for the exhibit and the D-Day film for $10.00. One ticket = one HistoPad, so people can buy one ticket and share if they want. This isn’t ideal, but can be suggested for people with very young children, or big families.
Is the exhibit family friendly?
Yes! This exhibit is meant for everyone to enjoy and learn.
Are food or drink allowed in the exhibit?
No.
Are wheelchairs allowed in the exhibit?
Wheelchairs are allowed in the exhibit. However, the motorized scooters are not.
This exhibit allows visitors to experience the Museum’s D-Day displays in an entirely new way. Within the exhibit, visitors will learn about the paratrooper experience. For example, the act of equipping a virtual paratrooper with gear gives the real equipment on display additional meaning.
The roughly 3,500 square foot exhibit features twelve physical panels that guide visitors through the experience. The HistoPad allows the visitor to manipulate a series of 3D virtual relics, view period photographs and extracts of exceptional archival films, interact with animated maps, and learn the incredible destinies of some of our nation’s D-Day heroes.
Exhibit open through Dec. 31
in the second building
TRAVEL BACK
IN TIME