Exhibition: “Jean Gabin, la guerre c’est pas du cinéma

From April 1 to November 5, 2023

Don’t miss this exceptional exhibition that tells the incredible story of the commitment of the icon of French cinema, Jean Gabin, during the Second World War. Dozens of personal items are presented as well as unpublished photos and archives but also a tank like the one he led. Many events will take place during this exhibition which will welcome on many occasions, the son of Jean Gabin, Mathias Moncorgé

80 years later: a tribute to Jean Gabin, the fighter

Poster Expo Jean Gabin. La guerre, c'est pas du cinéma - 2023

Gabin and the "souffleur" tank ©Musée Jean Gabin

From April 1 to November 5, 2023 at the Normandy Victory Museum, discover Jean Gabin’s involvement in World War II, eighty years after he enlisted in the United States in April 1943.

Inside this exhibition on more than 200m2, you will discover dozens of personal pieces of the actor (including the jacket worn during “La traversée de Paris”), photos and unpublished archives, audiovisual resources … A Tank Destroyer M10, identical to the famous “Souffleur II” led by Jean Gabin at the end of the war, will also be on display.

Don’t miss this exceptional exhibition designed in partnership with the Société des Amis du Musée Jean Gabin de Mériel (Val d’Oise) and the Musée des blindés de Saumur.

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Programme of events during the exhibition

» Thursday, March 30, 2023: official inauguration by invitation.

» From April 1 to November 5, 2023: exhibition open to the public every day for the price of a museum ticket

» Monday, May 8, 2023 : Official launch of the new book by the Norman publisher OREP: Jean Gabin, La guerre c’est pas du cinéma, written by Patrick Glâtre and prefaced by Mathias Moncorgé, son of the actor; conference followed by a signing session and various activities; presence of Patrice Gelinet. Read more

Book on sale at the museum and in our online shop

»Sunday 30 July 2023: commemorations of the Landing of the 2nd armoured division at Utah Beach; a column of old military vehicles recreating elements of the 2nd armoured division passes by; conferences, book signings, public discussion with Gabin’s son and the son of Gabin’s superior. More info here

» Saturday 23 September 2023: screening of the film La Traversée de Paris at the D-Day Experience (St-Côme-du-Mont) in the presence of Mathias Moncorgé (son of Jean Gabin) and Philippe Raimbourg (son of Bourvil). Find out more and book

» Saturday, October 21, 2023: screening of the film Un Singe en Hiver at the D-Day Experience, in the presence of Mathias Moncorgé.

Do you know Jean Gabin, the fighter?

Jean Gabin, a man who constantly refuses the easy way

After the 1940 debacle and the beginning of the occupation, many show business personalities stayed in Paris and adapted to the new established order. However, in February 1941, the idea of continuing his profession and his life under these conditions being unbearable to him, Gabin decided to leave for the United States, leaving everything behind. While a career in Hollywood was in his sights, the same desire not to remain “hidden” and to do something for his country animated him when in 1943, he made his request to join the French fighting forces and thus return to the old continent.

Jean Gabin leaves for Hollywood ©Musée Jean Gabin

Jean Gabin becomes Jean Moncorgé again

After shooting The Imposter at the request of General De Gaulle, a propaganda film for the Leclerc army in Africa, his wish was finally granted. He then became a second master in the marine fusiliers under his real name: Jean Moncorgé. An instructor in Algeria during 1944, he finally managed to integrate the Armored Regiment of the Marine Fusiliers, under the direction of General Leclerc, with whom he landed in Brest in January 1945. For the few months of the war that remained, Jean Moncorgé, claustrophobic and pyrophobic, commanded the Souffleur II tank and took part in the fighting in Alsace-Moselle, in the Royan pocket, and then in the capture of Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, in Berchtesgaden.

After the war, discretion is key

This episode of the actor’s life is very little known to the general public, even to his fans. Indeed, only a few weeks after the war, when he was invited to parade on the Champs-Elysees alongside his comrades in arms, Gabin declined and preferred to stand back. He did not want what he considered to be simply a duty done to be elevated to heroism. He will cultivate until the end of his life this modesty about the events that, by his own admission, gave him his first white hair.

80 years later, it is important to highlight the role of those who, like Jean Gabin, refused to take the easy way out, and were ready to put their lives on the line to liberate their country. Because definitely, “War ain’t no cinema”.

Buy your ticket online and on the day of your visit, avoid the queue at the cash desk

This exceptional exhibition on Jean Gabin will be held at the Normandy Victory Museum near Carentan (Normandy) from April 1st to November 5th 2023. Reserve your tickets now (entrance fee included in the price of the ticket).

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Questions you may have

+ Where is the Jean Gabin exhibition?

The Jean Gabin exhibition, “La guerre, c’est pas du cinéma” is located inside the Normandy Victory Museum in a room reserved for temporary exhibitions.

+ When is the Jean Gabin exhibition?

The exhibition Jean Gabin, “La guerre, c’est pas du cinéma” takes place in the Normandy Victory Museum from April 1st 2023 to November 5th 2023

+ Does the Jean Gabin exhibition have a fee?

The exhibition Jean Gabin, “La guerre, c’est pas du cinéma” is accessible with a entrance ticket to the museum. You don’t pay more. That is to say 9€ for adults / 6€ for children from 7 to 17 years old, students, teachers, soldiers, PMR / Free for children up to 6 years old.

Do you have an ambassador card?

If you have a Normandy Victory Museum 2023 ambassador card, you will benefit from VIP advantages: an invitation to the opening of the exhibition on March 31; reserved seating in the front rows for the screenings of the films “La traversée de Paris” and “Un singe en hiver”; priority access to the presentation/dedication of Patrick Glâtre’s book, prefaced by Mathias Moncorgé. (Other benefits may be added)

Join the ambassador program?