The 20th century was a century of conflict, of wars and industrialized warfare – but also a century in which people fought for the right to live in peace and freedom. That is the theme that runs through the newly conceived permanent exhibition of the Mémorial de Caen. The site itself represents a decisive turning-point in 20th century history. Caen – the name of the north-western French city stands for the liberation of Europe from the totalitarian Nazi regime.

Foto: Mémorial de Caen

The Mémorial de Caen commemorates the Allied landings that began on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and the ensuing Battle of Normandy. But the exhibition is not only devoted to the Allied invasion. Here the Second World War is embedded in a wider historical context. Visitors will find an exciting, and at the same time harrowing, tour of the entire 20th century.

As of May 2010, audio guides from tonwelt are available in French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch and German, as well as two different English versions. The British English and US English guides each present in detail the special role of their particular nation in the events. A sign language version is currently being prepared by our French distribution partner coMédiArt in Tours. The company was instrumental in bringing about this fruitful cooperation with the Mémorial de Caen. Further audio guide versions are currently in preparation.

Foto: Mémorial de Caen

Original quotes, witnesses’ accounts and interviews with experts, as well as dialogues modelled on original events help to make the commentaries both absorbing and authentic. More than 30 professional speakers were involved in the different language productions at the tonwelt studios. The children’s guide in French presented a special challenge. Its author has succeeded in describing the terrible events of the war in an age-appropriate, yet well-founded way and the young voicing artists, aged between 8 and 12 years, rose superbly to the occasion.

Fotos: Mémorial de Caen

The fact that a German company was commissioned by the Mémorial de Caen is not only a tribute to the high quality of tonwelt’s multilingual audio guides, but also a sign of reconciliation. It was an honour for our team to be able to carry out this project. We would like to thank all those involved for their great commitment and excellent cooperation during all the phases of the work.

Audio Samples	Le Jour J et la bataille de Normandie (FR)	Play  |  Stop
	La France « découpée » (FR enfants)	Play  |  Stop
	D-Day and the Battle of Normandy (US)	Play  |  Stop
	D-Day and the Battle of Normandy (UK)	Play  |  Stop
	Der „D-Day“ und die Normandie-Schlacht (DE)	Play  |  Stop
	El Día D y la Batalla de Normandía (ES)	Play  |  Stop
	Il D-Day e la battaglia di Normandia (IT)	Play  |  Stop
	D-day en de Slag om Normandië (NL)	Play  |  Stop