The LCT 7074 was restored and housed in a bespoke permanent structure at the museum after being salvaged from the seabed in 2014.
The Overlord Embroidery was commissioned in 1968 and took five years to complete by the Royal School of Needlework.
The museum site was chosen because Portsmouth served as the headquarters for the Allied Naval Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay.
The Overlord Embroidery is 34 panels long, mirroring the scale of the Bayeux Tapestry.
The museum holds a specific artifact collection donated by veterans who were present on the Normandy beaches on June 6, 1944.
The D-Day Story is the only museum in the United Kingdom dedicated solely to the history of the 1944 Normandy landings. It houses the Overlord Embroidery, an 83-meter long tapestry depicting the story of Operation Overlord. The museum utilizes immersive audio-visual technology and personal diaries to recount the experiences of veterans and civilians. A central feature is the Landing Craft Tank (LCT) 7074, the last surviving vessel of its kind that participated in the D-Day invasion. The facility is situated on the Southsea seafront, the exact location where many troops embarked for the assault on French beaches. Exhibits are organized into three chronological phases: Preparation, The D-Day Landings, and The Legacy. The display includes a collection of original vehicles, uniforms, and equipment used during the conflict. It serves as a focal point for understanding the logistical scale and tactical planning required for the Allied invasion.
The interior of the LCT 7074 offers a unique perspective for photography.
Start your visit with the audio guide to better understand the personal accounts linked to specific artifacts.
Allow extra time to walk around the LCT 7074 vessel as it has its own dedicated exhibition area.
Check the museum's events calendar before visiting, as they frequently host veteran talks and commemorative ceremonies.
Trying to see everything in less than two hours, as the personal stories and media installations require significant attention.
Respectful behavior is expected, especially near memorial displays; no food or drink inside the galleries.
