The Museum of Liberation of Paris: Information & Ideas

October 7, 2024

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The Paris Resistance Museum is a must-see for anybody eager on studying in regards to the French Resistance and the Liberation of Paris. It traces the lives of Jean Moulin and Basic Leclerc—two figures important to the town’s liberation—via a fascinating assortment of artifacts and reveals.

I’ve visited the Paris Liberation Museum a number of occasions, and every go to revealed one thing new. The museum is so layered with historic depth that I understood connections I hadn’t observed earlier than.

The chronological setup actually helps piece collectively occasions, making it an enchanting place to go to – and revisit. Plus, admission is free!

The museum sits above the key Resistance bunkers, which you’ll tour to see the place operations had been led.

Whether or not you’re a historical past lover or simply on the lookout for a significant, budget-friendly exercise in Paris, this place is ideal.

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Musée de la Libération de Paris

The official identify of the museum is Musée de la Libération de Paris – Musée du Général Leclerc – Musée Jean Moulin. Whereas this full title honors its historic significance, it’s a little bit of a mouthful. Most individuals merely name it the Liberation Museum or Resistance Museum.

Inaugurated in August 2019, it’s considered one of Paris’ latest museums. Properly, not precisely new—it was beforehand tucked away above Montparnasse practice station, unnoticed by most guests and Parisians alike. It didn’t fairly get the popularity it deserved there.

In August 2019, on the event of the seventy fifth anniversary of liberating France from the Nazis throughout World Conflict II, the brand new Museum of Liberation acquired inaugurated – a brand new location, a brand new constructing, and constructed on a history-loaded web site.

Good to know: admission is free! (take a look at our “Paris without cost” part!)

The image shows a modern exhibition space inside the Musée de la Libération de Paris, featuring a mirrored, cube-like structure with screens displaying historical footage in blue tones. Hanging from the ceiling are large red, white, and blue cubes, reminiscent of the French flag. In the background, a black-and-white photograph depicting a historic moment in Paris, possibly related to its liberation, is visible on the wall. The bright and sleek interior contrasts with the historical imagery, blending modern design with the museum's historical focus. — Paintings inside the Musée de la Liberation in Paris

What’s the Museum about?

The museum makes use of the non-public tales of Jean Moulin and Général Leclerc to inform the bigger story of WWII and the way the French Resistance fought to free Paris from Nazi management.

As you stroll via the reveals, it’s like following a timeline that tracks their efforts and reveals simply how a lot these two males contributed to the Resistance and the town’s eventual liberation.

Their lives information you thru key moments of the warfare, making the expertise each private and deeply historic.

Jean Moulin

Jean Moulin was a key determine within the French Resistance. A French civil servant, he turned the primary President of the Nationwide Council of the Resistance throughout WWII.

His function was essential in unifying numerous resistance teams throughout France, making them a extra formidable power in opposition to the German occupation. Moulin was captured by the Nazis, tortured, and finally died on a practice certain for Germany.

The image shows a black-and-white photograph of two men, likely historical figures, prominently displayed on a sign. The man on the left wears a military uniform and cap, while the man on the right is dressed in a dark coat and hat, giving a formal, civilian appearance. Both men appear serious, representing their respective roles, General Leclerc and Jean Moulin, important figures in French history. The background is light, with a faint reflection of trees and a vehicle visible on the glass surface. — Basic Leclerc and Jean Moulin

Général Leclerc

Général Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque was a Free-French basic throughout WWII. He performed a major function within the liberation of France, main his troops within the Battle of Normandy earlier than advancing to liberate Paris.

His efforts had been instrumental within the eventual defeat of the Nazi forces within the French capital.

The image depicts a museum exhibit dedicated to Jean Moulin, a key figure in the French Resistance during World War II. The space is designed in deep red tones with various text panels and displays. A prominent portrait of Jean Moulin in a trench coat and hat is accompanied by text identifying him as a leader of the Resistance. In the foreground, a vintage leather armchair is placed next to a small side table, creating an intimate atmosphere. A painting of a house, possibly Moulin's residence or a significant location, is displayed on the right wall. The overall ambiance is solemn, reflecting Moulin's importance in history. — Jean Moulin exhibit on the Paris Resitance Museum

The Bunker of the Liberation Museum

The situation of the Paris Resistance Museum wasn’t chosen by probability. Within the ultimate weeks earlier than the Liberation of Paris, the French Resistance labored from deep underground—actually.

They turned components of the catacombs into a completely operational bunker, geared up with cellphone strains and emergency turbines, to plan and coordinate their subsequent strikes in opposition to the Nazis. The museum as it’s at this time lies instantly above the bunker.

This secret hideout, situated round 100 steps beneath Place Denfert-Rochereau and the museum, was off-limits to the general public for years. Nonetheless, it was restored and opened for visits when the museum was inaugurated in 2019.

My Tip: Ebook the go to to the bunker proper whenever you enter. It’s free, however spots are very restricted and on a primary come first served foundation.

The image shows the interior of a bunker or secure underground facility, featuring a large, rusted metal door with a circular handle or wheel for opening. The narrow hallway beyond the door is stark and industrial, with grey walls and a worn floor. A red and white striped barrier is placed across the floor, indicating restricted access or a warning. The space feels utilitarian and somber, evoking the atmosphere of wartime or military shelters. — A well-protected hideout

Between my first and second visits, the museum additionally modernized the expertise. They now offer you digital actuality glasses, permitting you to see how life operated within the bunker throughout WWII.

It’s an immersive glimpse into the each day actuality of the Resistance as they orchestrated key operations that helped liberate Paris. Throughout my final go to, I introduced my youthful son alongside and he beloved it. It was certainly very partaking.

General, exploring this bunker provides one other dimension to the museum, making historical past really feel extra alive than ever. Particularly realizing that you simply’re standing on the unique grounds.

The image shows a museum display featuring a collection of historical photographs, documents, and posters from wartime France. A large poster on the left gives instructions on the correct use of gas masks, with detailed illustrations. Surrounding the poster are black-and-white photographs of people during the war, including images of citizens, soldiers, and officials. A prominent central image depicts a woman dressed in a dark cape, holding a gas mask. In the bottom right, a Le Petit Parisien newspaper front page is visible, covering wartime events. The display conveys the urgency and atmosphere of the time. — Reveals within the bunker of the French Resistance

Sensible Info

In the event you resolve to go to, it’s worthwhile to head to the 14th Arrondissement. Regardless that this isn’t within the middle of Paris, chances are high excessive that you’ll be round when visiting Paris. That’s as a result of the well-known Catacombs are simply throughout the road.

However opposite to this extremely popular sight of Paris, you’ll be able to anticipate little or no ready time on the Liberation of Paris Museum, if any in any respect.

Opening Instances: The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to six PM. Final entry is at 5:30 PM, and exhibit rooms shut at 5:35 PM.

Tackle: 4, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris.

Entry: The closest Metro and practice station is Place Denfert-Rochereau, served by Metro Strains 4 and 6, and RER B.

Admission: Each the museum and the bunker are free. No reservations are wanted for the museum, however for the bunker, you have to enroll at reception. Excursions of the bunker run a number of occasions a day, with slots each half-hour throughout my go to.

Go to Length: Count on to spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring each the museum and the bunker.

Accessibility: The museum is totally accessible, however the bunker is just not (there’s no elevator). For these unable to go to the bunker, a digital 360° tour is on the market on a desk

The image shows a wall display of portrait plaques featuring key figures from World War II, likely individuals involved in the French Resistance or other historical events. The plaques are color-coded in green, red, and yellow, each providing a photograph, name, and brief biographical details of the person. Prominent figures such as Charles de Gaulle and Philippe Pétain are included on the left, while various Resistance members and other historical figures occupy the rest of the display. The design highlights their contributions or roles during this critical period in history.

The image shows a museum display dedicated to Anne-Marie Dalmaso, a combatant in the French Resistance. On the left, there is a large portrait of her along with biographical information in both French and English. The text highlights her contributions to the Resistance during World War II. On the right, there is a black-and-white screen showing footage, possibly of Dalmaso in action, with a subtitle that reads, "Anne-Marie Dalmaso is filmed here taking the weapon from him, then carrying him away from the shoulder." The display honors her bravery and involvement in the fight for liberation. — All shows are translated into English

Extra Ideas: Discover the Neighborhood

In the event you’re already within the space, take the possibility to discover a lesser-known, non-touristy facet of Paris. Listed here are just a few of my favourite spots as an area on this neighborhood

Rue Daguerre: Pedestrian avenue lined up with cafés, eating places, and loads of grocery shops and delis.

The Catacombs: Paris’s largest graveyard and hottest attraction.

Le Petite Ceinture: An deserted railway belt that acquired became a hidden, lush city strolling path. (learn extra: La Petite Ceinture: Uncover Paris’ Deserted Railway (+ Insider Ideas)

The Vanves Flea Market: A vibrant market stuffed with classic treasures and antiques for discount hunters. (learn extra: Vanves Flea Market – A Hidden Gem for Classic Followers)

Rue des Thermopyles: A picturesque, ivy-covered avenue good for a peaceable stroll and charming pictures.

The Parc Georges Brassens with the vintage guide market: A serene park with a weekend market providing uncommon books and literary finds.

The image shows a close-up of two museum tickets or cards from the Paris Musées network, which grants access to a variety of museums in Paris. The text on the cards lists several notable museums, including the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Musée Carnavalet, Les Catacombes de Paris, Musée des Arts de l'Asie de la Ville de Paris, Musée de la Libération de Paris – Musée du général Leclerc – Musée Jean Moulin, and many more. The names of these museums highlight the diversity of cultural and historical experiences available throughout Paris. A hand is holding the cards, suggesting the person is ready for a day of museum exploration. — Paris Museums Tickets

Wrap up: Why Go to the Paris Resistance Museum?

The Paris Resistance Museum is an important cease for anybody seeking to perceive Paris’ WWII historical past. Via the tales of Jean Moulin and Basic Leclerc, mixed with an immersive tour of the underground Resistance bunkers, the museum affords a strong glimpse into the combat for liberation.

With free entry, fascinating reveals, and digital actuality experiences, it’s a budget-friendly, significant exercise within the 14th arrondissement.

Positioned close to Place Denfert-Rochereau, it’s good to pair with close by sights just like the Catacombs or a stroll alongside Rue Daguerre. Remember to take your time and take in the historical past of this hidden gem of Paris.