The Shoah Memorial: a place of remembrance in Paris

Let's delve into the origins of the Shoah Memorial, a place of memory created underground in 1943 as the Centre de documentation juive contemporaine. Its primary mission was to collect documents bearing witness to the Jewish genocide. In the 1950s, this center played a key role in the construction of the Mémorial du Martyr Juif Inconnu in Paris, on which the present building is based.

At the heart of the memorial, the permanent exhibition takes us on an emotional journey. Thanks to a rich collection of period documents, we discover the story of the 76,000 men, women and children deported under the Nazi yoke. Texts, photographs, personal objects and videos echo these collective and individual stories. The Wall of Names, majestically erected on the forecourt, pays homage to these souls, preserving their memory forever.

But that's not all. The museum comes alive regularly with :

• Temporary exhibitions: Combining history, art and literature, they offer a new perspective on the fate of the Jews in Europe and the genocides of the 20th century.
• Colloquia and meetings: To deepen reflection and understanding.
• Film screenings: Educational tools to shed light on the past and look to the future.
  

And to make the experience even more memorable, we recommend the Paris Region Aventures application. This is a family treasure hunt specially designed to help you discover the Shoah Memorial. A fun way to learn about history!

• To be read
• Free Museums and Monuments to visit in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, good ideas for outings
• Free museums and monuments for young people under 26 in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
• Tips for the week of December 23 - 29, 2024 in Paris: free or cheap outings

What's more, to complete your journey back in time, the Shoah Memorial - Drancy and a trail dedicated to the Second World War in the Paris Region await you.

Practical info:

• Opening times:
  • All year round. Daily from 10am to 6pm.
  • Closed on Saturdays.
  • Nocturne Thursdays until 10 pm.
  • Closed on Jewish holidays.
    
• Admission: Free
  

In short, the Shoah Memorial is more than a museum. It's a place of emotion, memory and learning, where we learn about the importance of remembering and passing on. An experience to be lived.