New Visitor Centre  --

The New Visitors’ Centre is situated in the impressive context of the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. The siting of the buildings and the landscaping around the museum take into account the strong elements of the surroundings such as Omaha Beach below, the sloping dunes and typical Normandy fields and hedgerows on the plateau. The panoramic viewpoints overlooking the historic landing sites and the connection with the vernacular agricultural landscape give the project its strength. The new building is situated on the eastern edge of the cemetery and forms an axis pointing towards the horizon. This location was chosen in order to expose the visitors to the site, scale and immensity of the very first landings. The car parking area uses the layout and the plants reflecting the Normandy countryside. It proposes a gradual transition towards the garden, guiding visitors towards the entrance. The garden to the North is a strategic space that ensures the transition from the existing dunes and the solemn and strict environment of the cemetery.